So I blew a circuit breaker (literally)

[Grunge Grown Up]

While camping over Thanksgiving, I tripped a 15 amp breaker in my fuse box. I determined it was because I had both my electric tea kettle and my toaster plugged into the same outlet. No biggie, I unplugged one of things, flipped the breaker back on, and went about my day.

Well the next day, I tripped it again. This time I had my kettle plugged in by the sink and the electric heater plugged in under the dinette. Different outlets and it still tripped the breaker. But this time I can't turn the breaker back on so I have to replace it.

I have 2 questions for you guys:

1. Is this like a household breaker, where you just pull out old one, and slide in the new one?
2. Where do I find a new 15 amp breaker? Is there a specific type for the HTT?

Thanks a million!

[RoyBraddy]

LOWES will carry all the major brands. Take it out and carry it with you to LOWES.

[Old Blue]

Just because you had items pluged into different outlets doesn't mean that they still are not on the same circuit I would check and see how many circuits you have and how many outlets are on each circuit.

[sailor]

In general you probably can operate only one appliance that heats at a time. This includes toasters, coffee makers, hair dryers, blow combs, electric fry pans, space heaters, etc.. I have been know to run an extension cord from the 20 amp outlet on the pedestal in order to use a the fry pan outside while the toaster is used inside. Be sure to use an outdoor extension cord with sufficient wire size to carry the load.

[Bob Landry]

All of the 110V outlets are going to be on a single breaker.

[Grunge Grown Up]

Thanks for your help! After I blew the fuse with things plugged into separate outlets, I figured they were all on one circuit. It looks like my Lowe's run is getting bigger and bigger.

Here's another one - Can I upgrade to a 20amp breaker?

[Doug]

I don't think so.
You wiring is going to be 14 guage, only rated for 15 amps.
Also, your outlets are only rated for 15 amps.
You can see in the picture how a 20amp recepticle is a little different.
Doug

[3'senough]

Originally Posted by Grunge Grown Up

Thanks for your help! After I blew the fuse with things plugged into separate outlets, I figured they were all on one circuit. It looks like my Lowe's run is getting bigger and bigger.

Here's another one - Can I upgrade to a 20amp breaker?

Do not upgrade to 20A from 15A. As stated above the wiring and outlets are rated for 15A and by simply upgrading the CB you are going to impose a hazard between the CB and outlet which could lead to a fire. Your better option is to consider adding a circut that is 20A rated from CB to outlet or another 15A outlet for your second cooking appliance. The minimum for 20A service is 12 guage wire.

One more option is to run an extension cord from the 15A pedestal outlet at most full service CG's to the other appliance. Depending on how your unit is wired you might be able to permanently snake one through the shorepower inlet so you have it ready to go all the time. Then you will need to snake it into the unit and locate it where you would use it. Use a 14 guage extension cord throughout this run and only one appliance at a time.

[tlhdoc]

Originally Posted by Bob Landry

All of the 110V outlets are going to be on a single breaker.

Not in my trailer. I have 3 120 volt circuits. One that the microwave has a dedicated plug. One that is a GFCI circuit. It supplies power to the bathroom and the kitchen. The third is a regular circuit.

[tinlizzie23]

X2 - There are three circuits in my 5er, same as tlhdoc's.

[Jagiven]

You may want to look at your circuit breakers a little closer. I have a few breakers, I do not recall the number (and the HTT is in storage). But my microwave is on a 20 amp breaker. As I recall the rest of the outlets are on a single 15 amp breaker (GFI through the bathroom’s outlet). The rest are going to things like the water heater, etc are on the other breakers.

If you breaker trips with very little load on it, or unexplainably you may have a weak breaker, that does happen periodically, and then just replace it with a similar breaker.

Just a possible option, with the design of my HTT, I could easily add a second outlet to the microwave circuit and mount it under the upper the kitchen cabinets.

ABSOLUTELY do not replace a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker! Sometimes I run an extension cord through a small opening under my slide out. When I need the extra power I plug in to it, when I am done, coil up the cord and store it under the sofa.

[tlhdoc]

[QUOTE=Jagiven;106480]You may want to look at your circuit breakers a little closer. I have a few breakers, I do not recall the number (and the HTT is in storage). But my microwave is on a 20 amp breaker. As I recall the rest of the outlets are on a single 15 amp breaker (GFI through the bathroom’s outlet). The rest are going to things like the water heater, etc are on the breakers/QUOTE]