If you are wondering how to differentiate between the two wire gauges, the 14-gauge wire has a thickness of 0.06 inches, while the 12-gauge wire has a thickness of 0.08 inches. If you install a circuit breaker with a capacity of 20 amps on a wire with a gauge of 14, you will violate the NEC and put your home in grave danger. If you wish to proceed with the replacement, you will be required to install a 12-gauge wire in the branch circuit wiring in place of the existing wiring. It is impossible to install a circuit breaker with a capacity of 20 amps in a circuit that uses wire with a gauge of 14, also referred to as 14 AWG. Make Sure The Wire Gauge Is CorrectĬheck the wire gauge of the circuit whose breaker you wish to replace before beginning the replacement process. Because of this, it won’t be able to collapse to the ground and sustain any damage. You can take it off by using your screwdriver, but before you take off the last screw, ensure that you have a firm grip on the cover panel. Uncover your Breaker PanelĪfter putting on your rubber gloves and marking the circuit breaker that has to be replaced, unscrewing the cover of your panel is the next step. Before opening the panel, you should turn off the main supply switch. Working in conditions where the circuit breaker panel has no current that flows through it is always the safest option. The Steps To Convert A 15-Amp Breaker To A 20-Amp Are Listed Below. But if you got 14 wires only, you will need to upgrade it before doing anything else. If you wish to change or upgrade to 20 amp breakers, you need to inspect the thickness of your wire to determine whether or not it can support the additional 20-amp breaker.
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