Running 15.8A on a 15A breaker

hornedfrog2000

Well-Known Member
I don't know if anything here ( http://dxhydro.com/ )can help you, but I got a thing to run everything off my dryer outlet plug. He has some really cool stuff, and can build whatever to your specs. I got the one for $144. It is the shiznit. I run 2400 watts off it, plus my fans etc. I could run I think 7000+ watts off it if I wanted.

You can build your own, but I didn't want to do it for the $150 it cost I let a pro do it.
 

gagekko

Well-Known Member
Just replace the 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker... just make sure u don't put anymore load on it than the AC and light. Why does this have to be so complicated, geez :P
 

hornedfrog2000

Well-Known Member
Just replace the 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker... just make sure u don't put anymore load on it than the AC and light. Why does this have to be so complicated, geez :P
I'm assuming this is sarcastic, but just to clarify... Don't do this HAHA.
 

gagekko

Well-Known Member
I'm assuming this is sarcastic, but just to clarify... Don't do this HAHA.
Actually, I am serious. 14-2 wire will be okay with 20 amp breaker as opposed to a breaker being overloaded. Is it a good idea? Probably not. But it is better than running the breaker at 15.8 amps. Again, assuming that NOTHING ELSE is put on that breaker -at that's where the danger really lies :/
 

H R Puff N Stuff

Well-Known Member
do not do that upgrading the breaker yes will solve the problem of not tripping breaker but now you run risk of fire in the walls that house the wire, now bieng overheated because you now can run 20 amps of power they have the breakers for a reson better to isolate problem to panel and replace breaker every once in awhile than worry if the wire is getting too hot in the walls p.s. if you take gagekkos advice make sure you replace all the batteries in your smoke detectors because you will need them
 

gagekko

Well-Known Member
do not do that upgrading the breaker yes will solve the problem of not tripping breaker but now you run risk of fire in the walls that house the wire, now bieng overheated because you now can run 20 amps of power they have the breakers for a reson better to isolate problem to panel and replace breaker every once in awhile than worry if the wire is getting too hot in the walls p.s. if you take gagekkos advice make sure you replace all the batteries in your smoke detectors because you will need them
I upgraded one to 20, no problem. 14-2 wire aint gonna arc out at 16 amps. By the way, it was a local electrician friend of mine that told me I could if I needed to. Since then I ran several dedicated lines but I'm sure running 15.8 through 15 amp breaker is much better idea :P
 

H R Puff N Stuff

Well-Known Member
well your electrician buddy needs to quit giving bad addvice before he hurts someone or starts a fire there are building & electrical codes for a reason and i also do this for a living.
 

IggyZag

Well-Known Member
I'd be mildly worried with the amps, however your ac may not actually pull that much that could be the total amps of the motor start and while running it may go down some. Example: my ac is a 10.5 amp but when it starts up it starts at 11 once its run for a few min its at 9.4. Typically you want to use no more then 75 or 80 percent of the breaker so a 15 amp would b 12 or 13 max I do believe. That extra .8 could cause major harm considering the outlets are wired with a 15amp cord, the breaker may not trip but the cord could melt or fire up. I'd personally install myself a new breaker or not grow especiaally with a child. (However) I ran .6 over for a few weeks once no probs but I'm not saying take the chance especially with a kid...either lower the watt lamp or install new electric;)
 

str8sativa

Well-Known Member
i replaced all my fifteens with twenty amps long ago no problem. 15 amp breakers are old school. ask someone that does not sit on the forum all day trolling on people that are trying to help you by giving you the fastest, easiest,most economical fix.
 

spencer2121

Well-Known Member
Umm I just talked to an electrician and I spoke to home depot and they specifically said that you can't just swap out a circuit breaker like that because the wire may not be thick enough to handle more than 15amps so I wouldn't ever do that! It's nice and cool in Michigan so I'm not running any acs. I'm buying the lower amp ac Monday and will continue to run my appliances according to my available amps. In the meantime I will air cool. I would advise anyone who is not sure about electrical issues to consult a licenced electrician before running large appliances such as hid lights or air conditioners on low amp breakers( especially if they have kids!)
Obviously don't just take advice from a stranger on a forum!
But thanks everyone for your comments
Stay high my friendsbongsmilie
 

str8sativa

Well-Known Member
all my lights are on 220v 30 amp. i just have fans and timers and 11 amp ac on the wall outlets its no problem to add few amps on your main box. not saying to run your all your lights and ac and pull 20 of a 20. but its nice to have some extra play
 
Top