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    texhammer's Avatar
    texhammer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 28, 2008, 06:15 PM
    Can 15 amp breaker be replaced with 20 amp?
    I want to plug in a refrigerator in a garage space which is on a 15 amp circuit. Can the breaker switch be replaced with a 20 amp breaker to support the extra load?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jul 28, 2008, 06:52 PM
    No, not unless you upgrade the wiring to 20 amps (12 gauge) also. The 15 amp breaker protects the wiring which can only carry 15 amps. The refrigerator pulls less than 15 amps. What else is on the garage circuit?
    texhammer's Avatar
    texhammer Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Jul 29, 2008, 05:33 AM
    Thanks for your advice. To my knowledge, the only other device on the circuit is a power unit for the Web phone/cable and perhaps the garage door opener. The refrigerator pops the circuit only when it has to run a lot, i.e. when the garage heats up in our 100-degree weather. My temporary remedy is to run a power cord to a 20 amp outlet in the utility room.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
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    #4

    Jul 29, 2008, 05:51 AM
    Check refrigerator door for amps. Should be much less than 15. Don't know what opener pulls. Could you get a new cable from outlet in utility room to garage? Would be inclined to believe breaker is tripping when refrigerator is running and opener is used. 100 degrees just means that refrigerator is running more, increasing the chance of that that it is running when opener is used
    WWPierre's Avatar
    WWPierre Posts: 78, Reputation: 4
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    #5

    Jul 29, 2008, 11:30 AM
    Could it be that the breaker is weakened somewhat?
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