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View Full Version : Is it OK to have 15 amp wire and a 20 amp breaker?


Carl1and3
Oct 31, 2012, 10:36 AM
We're in the process of purchasing a house. The inspector says the 20 amp breaker with 15 amp wire is a fire hazard. The homeowner/seller, who's dad is a retired electrician, says it's fine. W'ere trying to determine if this needs to be addressed/changed or if it's OK to have 15amp wire with 20 amp breakers.

hfcarson
Oct 31, 2012, 11:43 AM
NO!
This is not acceptable, it is a code violation
And the current owner is responsible for
Fixing it.
All they need to do is change the breaker...

donf
Oct 31, 2012, 12:40 PM
I really do not believe this, I'm actually going to agree with an inspector on this one. Not only is he correct but the owner's "electrician" is a flat out liar and he must know it.

14 AWG wire is listed for 15 amps. A 20 amp current will cause the 14 AWG cable to heat, melt the insulation and then cause a fire.

Also, as said above it is the homeoners job to fix it. I would be wary of this home simply because they were so willing to lie about a trival repair, what else are they hiding particularly if the inspector did not pick it up on the pass through the home.

Kyle_in_rure
Nov 1, 2012, 07:38 PM
No it is not okay, the breaker needs to be changed to 15amp.