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    redneedshelp's Avatar
    redneedshelp Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 27, 2010, 04:03 AM
    Can I use a 30 amp breaker to run 20 amp outlets
    I have a 30 amp breaker with 10awg wire. I want to connect the 10awg wire to 12awg wire to run 20 amp outlets. Is that OK or do I have to change the 30 amp breaker to a 20 amp breaker?
    foundation's Avatar
    foundation Posts: 11, Reputation: 0
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    #2

    Aug 27, 2010, 05:12 AM

    You will need to use a 20 amp breaker because your #12 is rated at 20 amps or risk a fire or burnt/overheated wiring.
    redneedshelp's Avatar
    redneedshelp Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Aug 28, 2010, 07:20 AM

    OK thanks. I have another question. I have two 30amp breakers on one 10-2 cable, one is on the black wire and other is on the white wire and there's the ground wire. I want to connect it to two 12-2 cables. I know black goes to black to power one 12-2 cable and black goes to white power the other 12-2 cable. But what about the neutral on the 12-2 cables? The 10-2 doesn't have it since its used to bring power from the second breaker. How do I connect the neutrals?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #4

    Aug 28, 2010, 08:38 AM

    The 2 # 10's may be a 240 volt circuit.
    You will need a second run, you can't use 120 volts and 240 volts from the same cable.
    redneedshelp's Avatar
    redneedshelp Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Aug 28, 2010, 10:50 PM

    So even when I switch the breakers to 20 amps, it'll still be 240 volts? Doing a second run will be hard. Im trying to use the existing cable. But I don't need 240 volts, which like you said, I think it is. Just two 120 volts for my two 12-2 cables. Is there any safe way to do the neutral wires without having to run new wires??
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #6

    Aug 29, 2010, 05:09 AM

    Voltage is determined by the way the connection is made in the circuit panel.

    How many outlets do you need to install?
    redneedshelp's Avatar
    redneedshelp Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Aug 31, 2010, 06:33 PM

    OK I think I figured it out. I didn't need two power sources, just one so I took out the two 30amp breakers and replaced it with one 20amp. Thanks for your help!
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