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View Full Version : What is the purpose of a 20 amp circuit breaker?


dee134
Oct 11, 2011, 07:30 PM
I'm setting up some power tools in my basement, Band Saw, Table Saw, etc. I would like to add outlets to power these tools and be on one circuit, I was wondering if a 20 amp circuit would be sufficient instead of a 15 amp?

donf
Oct 11, 2011, 07:50 PM
You need to read the electrical requirements for the tool in question.

Given the number of suggested in your comments, I would only recommend a 20 Amp circuit.

In fact, I would suggest you install at least two (2) such circuits.

Bear in mind, that these circuits, if they are in an unfinished basement have to be GFCI protected.

dee134
Oct 11, 2011, 08:04 PM
The tools I will be using in my basement, Bandsaw, Table Saw and Miter Saw require normal household current which would be 15 amps. I was wondering if 20 amps would be too much for these tools?

joypulv
Oct 11, 2011, 08:12 PM
No, you want 20 amps.

stanfortyman
Oct 12, 2011, 03:43 AM
The tools I will be using in my basement, Bandsaw, Table Saw and Miter Saw require normal household current which would be 15 amps. I was wondering if 20 amps would be too much for these tools?There is no "normal" household current.

Circuit current is an available amount. A 20A circuit simply has 5 more amps available than a 15A circuit.
There are codes in place telling us what types of circuits are allowed on certain size circuits (15, 20, 30, 40, etc).

Standard 15/20 amp 120v receptacles are ONLY allowed on 15 or 20A circuits.

tkrussell
Oct 12, 2011, 08:59 AM
I suspect that Dee134 has tools with a standard 15 amp plug, which appears to be "normal".

Since each tool has a 15 amp plug, each will run on a 15 amp circuit, probably each alone at one time.

The instructions of each tool will tell you what electrical requirements are needed to oeprate properly.