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    Carl1and3's Avatar
    Carl1and3 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 31, 2012, 10:36 AM
    Is it OK to have 15 amp wire and a 20 amp breaker?
    We're in the process of purchasing a house. The inspector says the 20 amp breaker with 15 amp wire is a fire hazard. The homeowner/seller, who's dad is a retired electrician, says it's fine. W'ere trying to determine if this needs to be addressed/changed or if it's OK to have 15amp wire with 20 amp breakers.
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Oct 31, 2012, 11:43 AM
    NO!
    This is not acceptable, it is a code violation
    And the current owner is responsible for
    Fixing it.
    All they need to do is change the breaker...
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    Oct 31, 2012, 12:40 PM
    I really do not believe this, I'm actually going to agree with an inspector on this one. Not only is he correct but the owner's "electrician" is a flat out liar and he must know it.

    14 AWG wire is listed for 15 amps. A 20 amp current will cause the 14 AWG cable to heat, melt the insulation and then cause a fire.

    Also, as said above it is the homeoners job to fix it. I would be wary of this home simply because they were so willing to lie about a trival repair, what else are they hiding particularly if the inspector did not pick it up on the pass through the home.
    Kyle_in_rure's Avatar
    Kyle_in_rure Posts: 341, Reputation: 10
    Full Member
    		  
    #4

    Nov 1, 2012, 07:38 PM
    No it is not okay, the breaker needs to be changed to 15amp.
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