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#21473 02/03/03 07:38 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6
R
Junior Member
While replacing an outlet in the bedroom, I noticed that the breaker was 20 amp. The wires in the box looked small to me, so I traced the wire to the basement, and the wire is clearly marked 14 awg. It is a pretty extensive run of wire, and it would be very time consuming to replace the wire with 12 awg. The circuit only serves some lights and a tv, so I think that the best solution would be to replace the 20 amp breaker with a 15 amp breaker. Do you agree? Input greatly appreciated.

#21474 02/03/03 08:23 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 402
J
Member
You MUST change the breaker to 15 amp if you are not going to change all the wire on the circuit to 12.

#21475 02/03/03 08:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 49
Member
I absolutely agree !

#21476 02/03/03 09:16 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6
R
Junior Member
Thanks, i will change the breaker to 15 amp right away. As i always say, better safe than sorry.

#21477 02/03/03 11:11 PM
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 806
N
Member
In addition to changing out the breaker, an inspection of the insulation on that circuit would be in order.

If it has been overloaded in the past, the insulation could be brittle and deteriorated.

#21478 02/09/03 09:27 PM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 48
O
Member
Would an AFCI be in order?

#21479 02/09/03 09:54 PM
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 552
T
Member
Quote
Would an AFCI be in order?

Nooooooo... Not the "A" word again!! [Linked Image]

That is a good question though.Would 210.12(B) apply for a replacement breaker in an existing dwelling?


Donnie
#21480 02/09/03 10:23 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 558
G
Member
I have enoungh problems explaining and justifying them to homeowners and GC's for new construction,much less a retrofit.

#21481 02/10/03 10:08 AM
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 552
T
Member
ga.sparky56,

If it's a code requirement,why would you have to jusyify it to a GC or a homeowner?Just include it your bid.Don't you bid everyyhing else to meet code without having to justify what you need?


Donnie
#21482 02/10/03 04:57 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 1
Member
Donnie, in my area we have to justify everything the owner/GC/(s)he-who-writes-the-check doesn't think they need, and saying "it's code" usually gets the question "why?".

I've often got the "let's-sit-down-and-talk" thing many times from not only GC's but some folks at the supply house too, usually after the "that's what all the other electricians use/do" speech... the consensus being in a nutshell that if I don't "loosen up" and "be reasonable" then my business won't survive.

...as if I'm blowing things out of proportion by trying to adibe by code...

[Linked Image]

Code is right up there with Speed Limits, child support, and taxes...

Most around here in my parts think they're a good thing for everyone but themselves.

[Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 02-10-2003).]


-Virgil
Residential/Commercial Inspector
5 Star Inspections
Member IAEI
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