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Topic: circuit breakers (Read 734 times) previous topic - next topic

circuit breakers

hello all....$2300 later my onan emerald plus propane 6.5 generator seems to run good...my problem is the 20 amp breaker flips off after runninga/c for 30 seconds or so...rear a/c on 30 amp is not affected...can i change the 20amp to a 30 amp without negative results...any advice is appreciated
Dale Gass
1993 U240 36                                                             

cat 3116 allison 3060

Re: circuit breakers

Reply #1 –
Dale,
          I am assuming that you are talking about one of the breakers in the house panel. Does your schematic show any other loads/circuits on that line? Breakers can become weak. Take one of your other 20 amp breakers and swap it out to see if that cures it, if that works then get new breaker. Unless you can verify that all circuits off of that breaker are wired with wire size #10 or better, you should not change to a 30. Could also be an issue with the A/C pulling too much current.
Good luck,
Rick
Rick

Re: circuit breakers

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Rick –
Dale,
          I am assuming that you are talking about one of the breakers in the house panel. Does your schematic show any other loads/circuits on that line? Breakers can become weak. Take one of your other 20 amp breakers and swap it out to see if that cures it, if that works then get new breaker. Unless you can verify that all circuits off of that breaker are wired with wire size #10 or better, you should not change to a 30. Could also be an issue with the A/C pulling too much current.
Good luck,
Rick

Just to reinforce what Rick said for those with limited electrical experience.  The primary purpose of a breaker is to protect the wire and secondary to protect what is connected to that circuit.  Too much current flowing in a wire causes the wire to get hot, insulation to melt, possible short circuit with even more current and most likely a fire.  Never increase the size of a breaker unless you are positive the wire is large enough to handle the increased amps which will almost never be the case.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: circuit breakers

Reply #3 –
I'd first try swapping that 20 year old 20A breaker for a new 20A breaker.  Old age might be setting in.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: circuit breakers

Reply #4 –
thanks everyone for response....breaker i'm referring to is on the side of generator ...priced at ppl it is 84 dollars...at onan shop it is 45...i am hoping that it is a case of old age and not other issues..
Dale Gass
1993 U240 36                                                             

cat 3116 allison 3060