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    rojonik's Avatar
    rojonik Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 16, 2011, 05:26 PM
    HOW TO CHANGE A 20 AMP SINGLE POLE TO A GE 45 amp circuit breaker one pole?
    I have a 20 amp service in my garage and I want to plug in my camper. The camper has an inverter that says it is rated for 45 amps. I changed the breaker to a 30 amp but it keeps popping the GFI outlet. How do I convert this amperage to meet the needs of the camper?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Aug 16, 2011, 05:42 PM

    Presumable by 20 amp service you mean you had a 20 amp breaker and 12 gauge wire. The 20 amp breaker is the largest breaker you can use with 12 gauge wire. Put the 20 amp breaker back.

    What are you trying to do with the inverter. An inverter converts DC to AC.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #3

    Aug 16, 2011, 05:50 PM
    Changing the breaker is a bad idea unless the wire is rated for that amperage. Since it has a 20 Amp breaker we'll expect it to be 12 AWG. 30 Amp is 10AWG. Likely to cause a fire or at least melt the wiring if loaded to that capacity. However, an inverter changes AC to DC for the camper. Is this what you were expecting? A converter would change the 120AC to 12DC. The 45 Amp rating is probably for DC, not AC. Try a non GFCI circuit and see what happens, you may have a ground fault in the camper. Please put the 20 Amp breaker back!
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
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    #4

    Aug 16, 2011, 06:06 PM

    Brian,
    An inverter changes DC to AC. A rectifier converts AC to DC. A transformer steps voltage up or down. You are correct however that we have no idea what the voltage of the 45 amps is.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #5

    Aug 16, 2011, 06:29 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by rojonik View Post
    I have a 20 amp service in my garage and I want to plug in my camper. The camper has an inverter that says it is rated for 45 amps. I changed the breaker to a 30 amp but it keeps popping the GFI outlet.
    I'm sorry, but this is what scares me about folks attempting to do electrical work when they have absolutely no idea what they are doing. :(


    Quote Originally Posted by rojonik View Post
    How do I convert this amperage to meet the needs of the camper?
    You need to run a new line to the location, properly sized for the load.
    Can you tell us what the plug is on the camper cord?

    WHAT is rated at 45 amps? Inverters are typically rated in wattage, not amperage.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #6

    Aug 16, 2011, 07:06 PM
    Hank, I know that, must have been a senior moment when I was posting!
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