Scottydarc Posted July 17, 2008 Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 I have an appliance that requires 30 amps, and we have a 12/3 Romex wired to it. Is there anyway to get a 30 amp circuit using 12/3? THANKS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy_Bob Posted July 17, 2008 Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 The circuit breaker protects the wiring for the size installed. So the breaker goes along with the wire size. Also some things do not run well on undersized wire. You need to run new wiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msteger Posted July 18, 2008 Report Share Posted July 18, 2008 Why risk a possible fire?!? Run new 10/3 copper (which is rated for 30 Amps) and be done with it. Physics is physics.. try to pull too much current through a piece of copper wire and it WILL overheat and possibly burn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 I agree, run the correct size wire. Also, keep in mind that if you have an undersized wire, the longer the run, the more risk there is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillip Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 Originally posted by Scottydarc I have an appliance that requires 30 amps, and we have a 12/3 Romex wired to it. Is there anyway to get a 30 amp circuit using 12/3? THANKS! Does the unit require a 30 amp breaker or is it pulling an 30 amp run load? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msteger Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 If the appliance "requires 30 Amps" (has a 30 Amp max load rating), I may even be inclined to use a 40 Amp circuit. What type of appliance is it? What does the label or manual give as the electrical requirement? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 Hi, The answer to the original question is quite simply "No." Write it up - The yadda-yadda draws a 30-amp load and is only wired for a 20-amp load; if this isn't corrected the wiring will overheat and might even start a fire. This is a fire hazard; get an electrician to re-wire the circuit to the yadda-yadda now." ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyle Kubs Posted July 19, 2008 Report Share Posted July 19, 2008 Actually it depends. What kind of appliance are we talking about? If its a central air conditioning compressor that has a 30 amp max. fuse/breaker rating but a Min. circuit ampacity of 18 amps. it's fine. Now if your talking electric water heater... No good replace the wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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