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    baron4's Avatar
    baron4 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 17, 2012, 04:39 PM
    8 gauge wire with 20 amp breaker
    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's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    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's Avatar
    baron4 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

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

    Thanks
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