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07-25-2012, 07:13 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Posts: 1
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Upgrade 15amp breaker to 20amp ? anyone done this
Hi there...We have a 2011 Jayco X19 hybrid and do most of our cooking using the outside plug...however, when I plug in the kettle and then plug in another appliance, like a toaster it blows the 15amp breaker. Has anyone upgrade a 15amp breaker to a 20 amp?? Can it be done? Where do I get the breaker? Do you think it would void the warranty (probably)? thoughts?? thanks
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It doesn´t matter if the glass is half empty or half full. There is clearly room for more alcohol
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07-25-2012, 08:22 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sparta, TN
Posts: 1,174
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It's a safety issue. The circuit is designed for 15 amp. If you need multiple high current items running at the same time you should add another circuit. Bear in mind you will still be limited to 30 amps total. Now consider the kettle, the toaster and the air conditioner. THEN the water heater element kicks in. OOPS, popped the main breaker in the converter or at the pedestal.
Electric usage in an RV does require planning and compromise.
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Chuck - Sparta, TN
2012 Jay Flight 22FB, 2 x Honda EU2000i
2013 GMC Yukon XL Denali AWD
EDUCATION is what you get when you read the fine print.....
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07-25-2012, 08:36 AM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: WV
Posts: 13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rentzie
Hi there...We have a 2011 Jayco X19 hybrid and do most of our cooking using the outside plug...however, when I plug in the kettle and then plug in another appliance, like a toaster it blows the 15amp breaker. Has anyone upgrade a 15amp breaker to a 20 amp?? Can it be done? Where do I get the breaker? Do you think it would void the warranty (probably)? thoughts?? thanks
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A 15 amp circuit uses 14AWG wire. A 20 amp circuit requires 12AWG. You can't simply install a 20 amp breaker and be safe.
I wouldn't worry about voiding the warranty. It probably doesn't cover burning up the trailer anyway.
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07-25-2012, 09:15 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 9,780
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Being you cooking outside. Use an extension cord from the “current bush” (electrical post) most have a 20 amp outlet in them also. I use a12 gauge, 25’ extension cord and plug in there for additional power.
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07-25-2012, 10:27 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CT
Posts: 361
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jagiven
Being you cooking outside. Use an extension cord from the “current bush” (electrical post) most have a 20 amp outlet in them also. I use a12 gauge, 25’ extension cord and plug in there for additional power.
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I have done this, and it works well. I also got one of those portable GFCI adapters to put on the cord, since I have seen campgrounds with outlets that aren't GFCI, and you are using the cord outdoors, so this is a safe approach against getting electrocuted.
I agree with the others, don't put a larger circuit breaker on a 15 amp circuit.
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Model X19H Expandable
GMC Sierra Pick up
Been a camper since I was a kid, and that was a long time ago :)
From pup tents with no floors, to tents with floors and flies, to a pop up, to the expandable.
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07-25-2012, 11:25 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Friendswood
Posts: 917
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I don't think you should try changing out breakers. The safety of you and your family should come before try ing to use a toaster. Like others said run a extension cord from the pedestal to your toaster. Thats what i do when using the waffle maker. Hope this helps
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07-25-2012, 11:33 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: CT
Posts: 361
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Or,....... go back to your camping roots and don't use electricity to make toast. Use one of those toasters for the propane stove.
__________________
Model X19H Expandable
GMC Sierra Pick up
Been a camper since I was a kid, and that was a long time ago :)
From pup tents with no floors, to tents with floors and flies, to a pop up, to the expandable.
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07-26-2012, 06:42 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Luray, VA (central Shenandoah Valley of VA)
Posts: 1,430
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X2 on adding another circuit instead of a larger breaker. Upgrading the breaker on a circuit not designed for 20 amp is simply asking for a fire. For your safety, please don't.
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2004 Jayco Designer Medallion 29 RLTS 5th wheel
Bill, Gayle, Teddy (Jack Russell terrier), and Honey (Beagle)
Retired at last !
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07-27-2012, 04:51 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Greenville SC
Posts: 843
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jagiven
Being you cooking outside. Use an extension cord from the “current bush” (electrical post) most have a 20 amp outlet in them also. I use a12 gauge, 25’ extension cord and plug in there for additional power.
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X2
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07-28-2012, 03:11 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Gilmer, Texas
Posts: 1,053
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Why not use this as excuse to get bigger camper?get one with the outside kitchen
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07-28-2012, 04:14 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 17,093
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Welcome to the forum! I concur that a 20amp breaker needs the larger 12AWG wire then the 14AWG of the 15 amp. Simply switching out the breakers is not enough. The wire has to carry the load.
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2017 Coachmen Catalina 283RKS
2018 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2l CCSB
2010 Jayflight 28BHS (sold)
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08-10-2012, 06:39 AM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Foothills of NC
Posts: 28
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I've been an electrician for over 20 years. Don't replace a 15 amp with a 20 amp. As others have said, the wire (14 gauge) isn't rated to 20 amp. It can melt the insulation and wire before a 20 amp breaker can trip and start a fire. I've seen the aftermath of someone doing this and it's not pretty. DON'T DO IT!!
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Jeff
Foothills of NC
2012 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 309 BHL
2004 Ford F150 Supercrew 4x4 5.4 Triton
10000lb Equal-i-zer WDH with 4pt sway control
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08-10-2012, 12:40 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Tempe, AZ
Posts: 11
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Remember the fuse is to protect the wiring not the device. So, if you pull 30amps through a circuit designed for max 20amps, you'll cause excessive heat build up in the wiring until it cooks off the insulation and starts a fire. It can and will glow red hot.
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Bob and Kim
1995 Jayco M-294FL
Sea Ray 187
Mirrocraft
2 Dogs, 2Cats, 4 Kids and 1 Grandaughter:D
1979 Winnebago Brave 28
1976 Jayco Wren PU
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08-10-2012, 12:57 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: King George
Posts: 2,761
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X2 on JAGIVEN comment... I do this all the time when camping. All of my outside power requirements is from an extension cord plugged into the site PEDESTAL 20AMP source. We run all of our outside lights, the greeting pole lamp, maybe a 20-inch box fan for sitting around the camp fire to keep mosquitoes off of us, momabears pot roast in an electric skillet, etc. This has its own circuit breaker and will not draw any power from your 30AMP PEDESTAL connection. I will run my Oil-filled radaitor looking electric heaters from this pedestal as well when it gets cool outside. Better to use the camp site electric instead of your propane hehe...
This is also what we use for some high power items like electric heaters, wife's hair dryer, vacuum. etc... I cary several HD extension cords with us just for this situation.
When the A/C is running 24/7 during these HOT TEMP times you are running the risk big time of tripping a breaker somewhere...
This comes under my PLAN-B planning...
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Roy and Carolyn
I claim Horse Creek Country in Southern Ill - Momabear is from North Texas
We live in King George VA
RETIRED DOD DOAF DON CONTRACTOR Electronics Tech 42YRS
"We're burning daylight" - John Wayne
2008 STARCRAFT 14RT OFF-ROAD POPUP with PD9260C and three 85AH 12VDC batteries
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"We always have a PLAN B"
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