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View Full Version : Changing ciruit breaker from 10amp to 15amp


trailerdude
Jun 23, 2014, 07:45 AM
How do I change a 10amp circuit breaker to a 15amp circuit breaker?

I have a 1996 era manufactured home single wide trailer Parkview model.
We wanted to put in a window a/c. ALL of the breakers are listed as 10amp and the A/C unit is listed at 15amp.

We checked the wiring and it's listed as 600 volt 14/2 along with a serial number that is install date related. Typical of manufactured homes to use cheaper breakers but we want to know is it okay to put a small window A/C on an existing 15amp circuit and how difficult is it to do this?

Are we better of having an electrician come in to do this or can a weekend warrior complete the project?

Thanks in advance

ebaines
Jun 23, 2014, 09:05 AM
Assuming you have copper wiring (not aluminum) 14-gauge is adequate for a 15 amp circuit. So it's simply a matter of changing out the breaker. You can do it yourself, but be sure to follow proper safety procedures. Turn off the individual breakers for all branch circuits, then turn off the main breaker before opening up the breaker box. When you take off the protective panel you will have access to the individual breakers but not the connections to the main breaker which has its own second cover - do not open that main breaker cover. To be safe, check for voltage on any two adjacent breakers - if the main breaker is properly off there should be no voltage present on any of the 10A breakers. Disconnect the wire from the load terminal of the 10A breaker being replaced, pry out the old breaker, install the new and reconnect the wire. Then reinstall the protective cover panel, turn the main breaker back on, and finally the individual branch circuit breakers.

ma0641
Jun 23, 2014, 03:01 PM
Make sure the breaker is compatible with your panel. Some breakers will fit but are not approved for the panel. What brand is the panel and what brand are the breakers?

Missouri Bound
Jun 24, 2014, 06:09 AM
It is virtually impossible to check ALL the wiring in any given structure. It's not uncommon for manufactured homes (trailers) to use a larger feed and then reduce the size to some fixtures, switch legs etc. I suggest that you run a dedicated circuit to the location of the air conditioner, then you can size the breaker accordingly with the proper wire. The breaker installed was a 10 amp for a reason.

trailerdude
Jun 25, 2014, 12:01 PM
Thank you for your replies, I'm going to have to with what Missouri Bound stated that the breaker installed was 10amp for a reason. We bought this trailer last year and have been fixing it up. We noticed one of the outlets was blown out as it doesn't work and that is probably where they had the A/C unit. Running a new line on a new circuit is the way to go, better than starting a fire when you are sleeping. Thanks to all...

ma0641
Jun 25, 2014, 02:01 PM
Thank you for your replies, I'm going to have to with what Missouri Bound stated that the breaker installed was 10amp for a reason. We bought this trailer last year and have been fixing it up. We noticed one of the outlets was blown out as it doesn't work and that is probably where they had the A/C unit. Running a new line on a new circuit is the way to go, better than starting a fire when you are sleeping. Thanks to all...

AH! A very intelligent answer. Romex is cheap, boxes are cheap, outlets and covers are cheap. Life isn't.

Studs ad
Jun 25, 2014, 10:44 PM
FYI
Mobile homes have a little different regulations on them. They are approved as built per pre approved plans kind of like a UL listing is but different. Once made the mobile home is technically out of compliance if you make wiring changes. If it were me, I would evaluate the service rating and loads and then determine if it can be done safely and add the circuit. Safety is the real issue more than compliance is to me and I have never had someone check.