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Posted by Colbyt on June 15, 2006, 8:35 pm
> Hi,
>
> I bought a book plus spent a number of hours on the computer to
> research and I hope someone can help me with just a few very basic
> questions I still have:
>
> 1. I have a 100 amp service. If I turn off the main circuit breaker
> can I change for instance a 20 amp breaker without worry of shock if I
> don't touch anything else other than the breaker and the wire that
> needs to be unscrewed? (I have a few that don't match my GE panel and
> I heard that they should)
>
> 2. I had an electrician once run an extra outlet but in looking a few
> years later I see that he ran 14/2 cable after attaching this to 12/2
> running off a 20 amp breaker. This line either powers a treadmill
> (runs on a "115 vac dedicated 20 amp {15 amp] circuit") or a iron.
> The receptacle is 15amp which I believe is fine with either, but
> should I swap the cable to 12/2 for safety?
>
> 3. I also have similar to question two above (14/2, connected to
> 12/2) going to a GPF in a garage that the same guy did. Do they make
> a 20 amp GPF and should I switch the cable and the receptacle in this
> instance too?
>
> 4. Can you run a series of five 15 amp receptacles for a workbench in
> an unfinished basement running on 12/2 on a 20 amp GPF breaker?
>
> I really appreciate all your help!!
>
> Best Regards,
> Steven
No license here so I don't have to cya.
1. You should test it first with a simple tester but the normal answer is
that all the breakers and everything below the main breaker is safe to touch
with the main turned off. The juice stops inside the main breaker. The lugs
above the main breaker are still HOT.
2. I would because de-rating the wire is only allowed (or was allowed) when
there is no possibility that it could ever pull more than it was designed
for. Example: you wire a single light fixture with 14/2 at the end of a 20
amp circuit.
3. I think they do at a premium price. I would most likely change the wire
and leave the GFIC as it is.
4. 20 amp circuits by code require 20 amp devices. There really is no
defined limit to the number of devices. The 15 amp ones will most likely
work fine and be safe but they are not "to code". Would I use them? Yes
because in normal usage you are never going to pull 20 amps.
Your breakers must be rated and tested for the panel they are installed in
to meet code.You may want to check the breakers before you go to the trouble
to change them. They may be rated for your box. That said there are
millions of breakers in boxes all around the world that do not meet that
standard. The vast majority of them are perfectly safe and work as they
should.
Colbyt
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