Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

[Blitzen]

Is it possible/advisable to change a 10 amp circuit breaker to a 20 amp in a 12 volt DC vertical panel? I have three empty positions ( 2 10 amp and a 5 amp) and need 20 amp protection for a new switch.

 

[jollymon]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

That depends, is there any wring for the 10am circuit, or is the breaker there with noting on it. <br /><br />The breaker is there to protect 2 things, The wiring from the break out to the devices, and the devices. If the wiring is only rated for 10 amps, and you place a 20amp breaker, the wire could melt before the breaker trips. <br /><br />On the other hand if there is no wire after the breaker and the 10amp breaker is just holding a spot in the panel, go ahead replace, and run the correct size wire for a 20amp circuit.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

Depends on the size of the wire in the existing circuit. If you draw 20 amps through a circuit designed for a 10 amps limit, the wire can heat up, the insulation melts and the possibility of a fire occurs before the 20 amp breaker trips. It's called circuit overload.

 

[Blitzen]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

Thanks, fellas. There is no wiring from this breaker, it is a spare just holding a spot in the panel as you say. Will certainly use the proper gauge wire. Never want to hear "Fire onboard" or smell smoke.....I got enough problems. BTW, are all circuit breakers standardized with regard to size or are you forced to use that manufacturer's breaker?

 

[cuzner]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

Ya, get them at a marine store, make sure you use a diagram... that green wire needs a home <br /><br /> Jim

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

Cuzner, what do yo mean by the green wire? The 12V circuit breakers I saw in the MegaMall were all twin posts, source and load. The green wire is common "earth" in household 110-120V circuits. I am asking for education and knowledge, so if I am wrong I will delightedly accept the info.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

Sorry Dave... just got done reading post again. I was reffering to The green wire that goes to galvanic capacitator in a ac set up. Instaled a new breaker for charger in my boat this spring , and was perplexed with where the wire went til 18rabbitt explained it to me, there was more involved than I thought... Blitzen sorry if I added any confusion to your post!!!!!<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

Is the panel in question the type that has circuit breakers AND switches built in?

 

[Blitzen]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

The panel is a 5 postion vertical panel with breakers only. 12 volt DC. No battery switches or other devices.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

O/k, I was just wondering.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Changing 10 amp circuit breaker to 20 amp

Green is a bonding or ground wire usually used for two things. A metal fuel tank and a metal fill neck. This is so you do not go BOOM<br />when filling the gas tank and making static electricity.<br /><br />ZZZZiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttt! Oouch!!!