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    dee134's Avatar
    dee134 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Oct 11, 2011, 07:30 PM
    What is the purpose of a 20 amp circuit breaker?
    I'm setting up some power tools in my basement, Band Saw, Table Saw, etc. I would like to add outlets to power these tools and be on one circuit, I was wondering if a 20 amp circuit would be sufficient instead of a 15 amp?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #2

    Oct 11, 2011, 07:50 PM
    You need to read the electrical requirements for the tool in question.

    Given the number of suggested in your comments, I would only recommend a 20 Amp circuit.

    In fact, I would suggest you install at least two (2) such circuits.

    Bear in mind, that these circuits, if they are in an unfinished basement have to be GFCI protected.
    dee134's Avatar
    dee134 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Oct 11, 2011, 08:04 PM
    The tools I will be using in my basement requires normal household current
    The tools I will be using in my basement, Bandsaw, Table Saw and Miter Saw require normal household current which would be 15 amps. I was wondering if 20 amps would be too much for these tools?
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
    current pert
     
    #4

    Oct 11, 2011, 08:12 PM
    No, you want 20 amps.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #5

    Oct 12, 2011, 03:43 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by dee134 View Post
    The tools I will be using in my basement, Bandsaw, Table Saw and Miter Saw require normal household current which would be 15 amps. I was wondering if 20 amps would be too much for these tools?
    There is no "normal" household current.

    Circuit current is an available amount. A 20A circuit simply has 5 more amps available than a 15A circuit.
    There are codes in place telling us what types of circuits are allowed on certain size circuits (15, 20, 30, 40, etc).

    Standard 15/20 amp 120v receptacles are ONLY allowed on 15 or 20A circuits.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #6

    Oct 12, 2011, 08:59 AM
    I suspect that Dee134 has tools with a standard 15 amp plug, which appears to be "normal".

    Since each tool has a 15 amp plug, each will run on a 15 amp circuit, probably each alone at one time.

    The instructions of each tool will tell you what electrical requirements are needed to oeprate properly.

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