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circuit conversion
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| cptkirkh 2007-02-26, 1:25 pm |
| I would like to convert a normal 15 amp circuit to a 30 amp circuit.
I also need ot convert the wall plug over. If this is iin a
commercial building that is over 30 years old will I need to do
anything else besides swap out the breaker and install a new plug?
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| TimPerry 2007-02-26, 1:25 pm |
| cptkirkh wrote:
> I would like to convert a normal 15 amp circuit to a 30 amp circuit.
> I also need ot convert the wall plug over. If this is iin a
> commercial building that is over 30 years old will I need to do
> anything else besides swap out the breaker and install a new plug?
what gage (size) is the wire?
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| Ben Miller 2007-02-26, 1:25 pm |
| "cptkirkh" <khill@scic.com> wrote in message
news:1172504760.655484.238510@v33g2000cwv.googlegroups.com...
>I would like to convert a normal 15 amp circuit to a 30 amp circuit.
> I also need ot convert the wall plug over. If this is iin a
> commercial building that is over 30 years old will I need to do
> anything else besides swap out the breaker and install a new plug?
>
Probably bigger wires. If you have to ask, then you are not qualified to do
this work in a commercial building. I highly recommend that you hire a
qualified electrician.
Ben Miller
--
Benjamin D. Miller, PE
B. MILLER ENGINEERING
www.bmillerengineering.com
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| Salmon Egg 2007-02-26, 1:25 pm |
| On 2/26/07 7:46 AM, in article
1172504760.655484.238510@v33g2000cwv.googlegroups.com, "cptkirkh"
<khill@scic.com> wrote:
> I would like to convert a normal 15 amp circuit to a 30 amp circuit.
> I also need ot convert the wall plug over. If this is iin a
> commercial building that is over 30 years old will I need to do
> anything else besides swap out the breaker and install a new plug?
>
Your question reveals a naivety that indicates you are in over your head.
That is, what you want is readily achievable but should not be a
do-it-yourself job until you learn much more. Pay a licensed electrical
contractor to do it for you. That will greatly reduce the possibility of you
earning a Darwin award.
Bill
-- Fermez le Bush--about two years to go.
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| SparkyGuy 2007-02-26, 1:25 pm |
| cptkirkh:
> I would like to convert a normal 15 amp circuit to a 30 amp circuit.
> I also need ot convert the wall plug over. If this is iin a
> commercial building that is over 30 years old will I need to do
> anything else besides swap out the breaker and install a new plug?
The circuit breaker protects the current-carrying capacity of the wire, not
only the outlet.
You can't simply increase the breaker and expect to pump more current through
wires that were originally sized for 15 amps -- this is dangerous.
Potentially fire-and-injury dangerous.
The existing wire must be replaced with larger wire capable of handling 30
amps. Then replacing the breaker and outlet with appropriately-sized ones
will complete the project.
It's also critical to properly ground the circuit.
Might be over your head. If you have any doubts, hire a pro to do it for you.
Good luck,
Sparky
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| ranck@vt.edu 2007-02-26, 5:25 pm |
| SparkyGuy <SparkyGuy@mumcrank.ck> wrote:
> cptkirkh:
[color=darkred]
> The circuit breaker protects the current-carrying capacity of the wire, not
> only the outlet.
> The existing wire must be replaced with larger wire capable of handling 30
> amps.
That assumes the installed wire is not capable of 30 amps,
which seems likely.
> Then replacing the breaker and outlet with appropriately-sized ones
> will complete the project.
And, in a commercial building the wire is likely in conduit, so you
would also have to keep an eye on conduit fill issues.
> Might be over your head. If you have any doubts, hire a pro to do it for you.
I concur here.
Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.
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