Upgrade 15amp breaker to 20amp ? anyone done this

rentzie · 07-25-2012, 07:13 AM

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

tnchuck100 · 07-25-2012, 08:22 AM

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.

md2lgyk · 07-25-2012, 08:36 AM

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

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.

Jagiven · 07-25-2012, 09:15 AM

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.

chuckworkb · 07-25-2012, 10:27 AM

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.

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.

lx22f/c · 07-25-2012, 11:25 AM

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

chuckworkb · 07-25-2012, 11:33 AM

Or,....... go back to your camping roots and don't use electricity to make toast. Use one of those toasters for the propane stove.

tinlizzie23 · 07-26-2012, 06:42 PM

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.

krackeer · 07-27-2012, 04:51 PM

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.

X2

poohbear · 07-28-2012, 03:11 PM

Why not use this as excuse to get bigger camper?get one with the outside kitchen

**Crabman** · 07-28-2012, 04:14 PM

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.

lunatech · 08-10-2012, 06:39 AM

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!!

rdhousejr · 08-10-2012, 12:40 PM

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.

RoyBraddy · 08-10-2012, 12:57 PM

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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