SOURCE: Electrical - Air Conditioning
Ben, you are on the right track. To upgrade the breaker, first look at the main house breaker panel and determine if allowing more current through main breaker will be taxing it too highly (will 20 more amps exceed my main breaker limit...what is the main breaker current trip at?) Then look at the wire size leading away from the 40 amp breaker to outside. If it is 6 gage copper or 4 gage copper-clad aluminum wire, you are ok to upgrade. Any smaller wire size could be unhealthy.
SOURCE: WHAT SIZE BREAKER IS NEEDED FOR 240 VOLT ELECTRIC BASEBOARD HEATE
If there is a 15 amp breaker on this circuit now. Then I would assume the the wire to this breaker is only capable of handling that size and NOTHING larger. There are to many variables. You need to know the maximum amp draw rating of the device. The wire size going back to the service entrance (fuse box). You will also need to know the total power draw of the service entrance to determine if the box can handle the total load. Are there any other branches off of this circuit? I suggest that you get advice from an electrician. If you overload the circuit, you may think everything is ok. But you can cause a major problem. I do not think that you want to take the chance of overloading a circuit. This can cause a fire and or death. Have this inspected by a professional. If you insist on doing it yourself.... contact your local building inspector for guidance.
SOURCE: I have a Kitchen Aid
Hi Joe,
Since 6 gage wire is heavier duty (thicker) than 8 gage, it will be more than sufficient to supply the oven. I'm not an electrician, per se, but have obtained permits to add wiring to additions years ago, so I know some things. The important issue is to check to make sure it meets or exceeds code, for insurance purposes, and you can verify that your wiring meets code by calling the permit people in your area, just to be safe. Any electrical contractor in your area should be able to verify this.
I think you'll be fine.
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