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my father-in-law replaced a 15 amp circuit breaker with a 20 amp circuit breaker a few weeks ago. This breaker is for the outlets in our living room as well as one outlet in our kitchen so it serves lights, a television, dvd, CD, and our refrigerator. yesterday, i set up our Christmas tree and plugged in all the lights for the tree as well. 5 hours later, the breaker popped and when i flipped it, it popped again.
is the problem the 20 amp breaker?
Well, how would you like to lose your home for the holidays?
Just changing a breaker to a higher rating is dangerous and a fire hazard, so be very , very glad this new 20 amp breaker is tripping.
Sure the breaker may be defective, however it may be overloaded also.
This 20 amp breaker may be allowing the 15 amp wire to be overloaded.
Stop using this breaker, shut it off, and call an electrician in to replace the breaker BACK TO A 15 AMP.
Then have him determine if the load of all the appliances AND the xmas lights is too much for the 15 amp circuit. An additiional circuit may be needed.
And tell Dad to stop playing electrician, he is playing with fire, and you life and home. If his actions injured, or worse, someone, he may be criminally responsible.
Count your blessings the 20 amp breaker is tripping. If it did not the wire still could have overheated and, well... need I say more?
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