I have 15 amp breakers for some lights and recepticles throughout my home and we continually overload the breakers when using hair dryers, heaters, etc.

Can I upgrade these breakers to 20 or 30 amp versions without any consequences? I want to reduce the number or tripped breakers, but I don't want to create any potential fire hazards or other problems!

Thanks!

JCinSC

Most home wiring is 12-2 NM. The wire will have the gauge imprinted on it somewhere, both the single wires and the outside jacket. There should be a little of the wire available in the box with the receptacle, but perhaps not enough to find the size. You can also check the copper wire itself. A wire gauge would be best, but 12 gauge should be 0.08081'' in diameter, and 14 gauge is only 0.06406''. Even comparing the wire visually to a known sample would work. If the wire is 12 gauge or larger, it is a simple matter of replacing the breakers with 20 amp ones. Otherwise, you must run new wire or additional circuits.

Replacing breakers is not much of a job, post back if you need help.