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View Full Version : 8 gauge wire with 20 amp breaker


baron4
Jul 17, 2012, 04:39 PM
I have an A/C unit that was connected to the breaker box with 8 gauge wire and a 40 amp 240 volt breaker. The A/C unit is small and rated at 20 amps. Is there any significant risk in just replacing the 40 amp breaker with a 20 amp and not changing the wiring (would require breaking through drywall,etc.)?

stanfortyman
Jul 17, 2012, 05:02 PM
No, but why bother?

When you say rated, what do you mean?

A/C units have a minimum circuit ampacity and a max fuse/breaker size.
What is the max breaker rating on your unit?

baron4
Jul 17, 2012, 05:57 PM
The minimum circuit ampacity is 13.0.
The max breaker rating is 20.0.

Thanks