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

    Aug 14, 2007, 07:35 AM
    Changing a circuit breaker from 25 amp to 20 amp
    My air conditioner is on a 25 amp breaker and should be on a 20 amp max (per manufacturing). All I need to do is take out the old one and install the new one- right. Do I need to worry about the size of wire when installing a lower breaker or just when increasing it?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    Aug 14, 2007, 02:08 PM
    Reducing the rating of a circuit breaker is never a problem, the assumption is the wire is larger than needed. Just to be sure, check that your wire is a minimum of #12, it may be now or may be #10, if on a 25 amp CB.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #3

    Aug 15, 2007, 08:19 PM
    Someone may have incorrectly installed 25 Amp Breaker on a pair of 12's, because the breaker kept tripping. The breaker protects the wire. On long runs, you may need to go several sizes larger, to reduce voltabe drop.
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