SodaLicious
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quick question -
I have a 20 amp breaker that i want to throw approx 16-18 amps in, but im afraid of overloading it. i know it may not be code or whatever, but could i throw a 30 amp breaker on there instead, just so it wouldnt trip if there was a bigger flux over 80% of 20?? i know 30 amps run bigger gauge wire, but im not trying to run 30 amps, just 18 safely...
thanks!
18 amps on a 20 amp breaker is 80%. You should be fine. I run 2 600's off one 20 amp breaker with 12/2 wire, and have had only one issue, the plug/receptacle was only rated for 15 amps with the 2 600's plugged into a power bar then the bar plugged into the receptacle, it melted a bit :oops:. Now I have a 20amp rated receptacle and have no issues.
PS
i ran my on 12/2 wire straight from the breaker to my plug box, no junctions anywhere. Make sure your 20 amp actually has 12/2 otherwise you will be loading the 14/2 past its capacity.