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Tom1958
Feb 16, 2014, 12:50 PM
I'm replacing my old GFI 15amp breaker with a normal 20amp breaker will this make a difference if my GFI outlets or 15amps

donf
Feb 16, 2014, 01:13 PM
Tom, STOP!

You cannot replace a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker.

A 15 amp breaker will require a #14 AWG (Copper) cable or a # 12 AWG (Al.) cable.

A 20 amp breaker requires a #12 AWG (Copper) cable or a #10AWG (AL) cable.

If you put 20 amps across a #14 AWG copper cable, you are creating a fire hazard. The smaller gauge cable conductors are not listed for the heat generated by the higher amperage.

You can either use a 15 amp GFCI breaker or change the entire circuits.

Also, If you have GFCI receptacles installed on a circuit, you do not install a GFCI breaker. However, under current code, you will have to install an AFCI "Combination" breaker.

GFCI protects against people getting electrocuted. AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interruption) is a protection against fires started by an electrical arc.

Tom1958
Feb 17, 2014, 12:44 PM
I appreciate your response but I have another problem. When I replaced the GFI breaker with the normal 15 amp breaker now I have no power at all to the receptacle's in the house. I am a willing electrician meaning I've took some course on electricity and electronic for what it's worth lol. I replace 2 receptacles and yes went back over my work check to make sure my wiring was don right all looks normal but yet I have no power and without meters I guess I need a electrician

smearcase
Feb 17, 2014, 12:52 PM
Tom,
What was the purpose of this project originally? Was the 15A GFI breaker tripping and not re-setting?
You say you have no power at all to receptacles now with the regular 15A breaker. Did you have that same problem before and that is why you wanted to try another type breaker?

Tom1958
Feb 18, 2014, 03:25 PM
Originally the 15 amp GFI breaker would not reset and then it started to make noise when it did reset. That GFI breaker was for 2 outlets 1 outside and the other in the bathroom so I replaced the outlets with GFI type and did away with the GFI breaker in the meter pan. So now I put in a normal 15 amp breaker and not getting anything to the outlets.

donf
Feb 18, 2014, 04:38 PM
Tom,

Are you absolutely sure that only outlets (lighting or receptacles) on the problematic branch circuit are the one bathroom receptacle and the one outside receptacle?

I ask this because what you are describing (no power) is exactly what would happen if there is another GFCI receptacle on that branch circuit that has tripped and is killing everything downstream of it.

Also, go to Lowe's or Home Depot and pick up a multi-meter. You can get one for probably less then $20, far less than the cost of an electrician. You do want to get a meter that lets you see the voltage level. Just getting a proximity tester or a light indicator is not sufficient.

With the meter, connect the black probe to the frame of the panelboard where the circuit breaker is installed. With the red probe, touch the terminal screw on the circuit breaker that has the black wire for the branch circuit under it. With the breaker in the "ON" position, the meter should show you 120 Vac (+/-). If it is zero, make sure you push the breaker's handle all the way to the "OFF" position and then move it back to the "ON" position and retest the output of the breaker.

Remember, stand off to the side of the main panelboard, do not stand directly in front of it. If for any reason there is a arc, it will get you flush in the face. Please wear safety glasses also. Eyes are not a replaceable as we would like to think they are.

If the voltage out of the breaker is correct, then go to the first receptacle outlet on the branch circuit and test the incoming side of the receptacle for voltage.

For the record (there is probably you can do about this now) but a branch circuit that feeds a bathroom receptacle can either feed other outlets within that bathroom or another bathroom's receptacle outlet. One or the other not both. It is not allowed to feed any other outlets. The amperage for bathroom receptacle outlets should be 20 amp primarily because of the high amps required by hair dryers. A 20 amp branch circuit requires a minimum of 12 AWG cable. Any conductors smaller that 12 AWG would be creating a fire hazard.

Code also requires that there be a receptacle outlet in both the front of the house and the rear of the house and of course these receptacle are to be GFCI protected. And just like the bathroom, that protection can be provided by either a GFCI breaker or a GFCI receptacle. Never use both methods.