20 vs 30 AMP fuses

08-27-2012, 02:31 PM	#1
tracer Newbie   Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1	20 vs 30 AMP fuses The fuse blew. Can I use a 30amp TL in place of the 20 amp W without causing damage? This fuse runs the refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster oven, microwave, etc.

Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. DIYChatroom.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any home improvement task!

08-27-2012, 02:36 PM	#2
rjniles A "Handy Husband"     Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Carolina Low Country Posts: 2,940	20 vs 30 AMP fuses Quote: Originally Posted by tracer The fuse blew. Can I use a 30amp TL in place of the 20 amp W without causing damage? This fuse runs the refrigerator, coffee pot, toaster oven, microwave, etc. NO! You have to much on this circuit. You need to run an additional circuit (or 2) and split up the load. Increasing the fuse size can cause the wire to overheat and cause a fire. __________________ Location: Coastal South Carolina

08-27-2012, 02:36 PM	#3
jbfan Electrical Contractor   Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 5,010	20 vs 30 AMP fuses No, the wire size dictates the size of the breaker or fuse. __________________ Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

08-27-2012, 02:42 PM	#4
bobelectric Member   Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: 84,Pa.15330 Posts: 905	20 vs 30 AMP fuses You will burn the house down.

08-27-2012, 04:49 PM	#5
Speedy Petey Licensed Electrical Cont.     Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,164	20 vs 30 AMP fuses Quote: Originally Posted by jbfan No, the wire size dictates the size of the breaker or fuse. And considering what this circuit runs a 30A circuit would NOT be allowed anyway. Like rj said, new circuits run is the only cure. __________________ Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

08-27-2012, 05:15 PM	#6
joecaption Member   Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,206	20 vs 30 AMP fuses A better option would be to bite the bullet and up grade all the wiring and get rid of those old fuses.

08-27-2012, 05:30 PM	#7
Speedy Petey Licensed Electrical Cont.     Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,164	20 vs 30 AMP fuses Quote: Originally Posted by joecaption A better option would be to bite the bullet and up grade all the wiring and get rid of those old fuses. Getting rid of the fuses would not necessarily mean "upgrading all the wiring". __________________ Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.