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fiesta75632 posts

08-16-2021
12:01am

For me I changed my 15 amp breaker to 20 amps because it popped occasionally on power up only, never while playing loud. I had 9.6kW output into 4 ohms though...

@ fiesta75

What is the branch circuit wiring size? If it’s #14awg cu the breaker, per electrical safety code, can not be larger than 15 amp. Solution is to install a 15 amp HM (High Magnetic) breaker. An HM breaker has a longer lag time for turn on high inrush current.

Here are three examples, of manufacturers HM breakers.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-QO-15-Amp-High-Magnetic-Single-Pole-Circuit-Breaker-QO115HM/303...

https://www.widespreadsales.com/Products/Circuit-Breakers-Siemens/Q115HM

https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.BR115H.specifications.html

CH-HM Breakers

CH-HM breakers are designed with
high magnetic trip settings. Single-
and 2-pole CH-HM breakers (“HM”
suffix) rated 15 and 20 amperes are
recommended for circuits with
inherently high inrush currents.

https://bse-assets.azureedge.net/ISSheet_117983.pdf

.

Never ever increase the size of a breaker unless you know the wiring from end to end supports it.

If a 15 A breaker is popping it is doing so for a reason.

It is however sometimes useful to exchange a breaker for the same size.  They don't last forever and a new one may fix your problem.

jea;  I never, tripped the breaker, just don't want to put a strain on my amps.  Like I wrote earlier, is that there’s 12/2 romex to a 15 amp rec. which is fine. I’m sure I can still change the breaker to 20 amps with 12/2, which should be code, & leave the 15 amp rec.. This is for my AV, I don’t think I use 1/4 of the max of power when watching a movie. Now when listening to music, sometimes I just jam. Different system. Thanks for you response!

Guys don’t forget to figure branch circuit wiring VD (Voltage Drop).

Example:
For a 60ft branch circuit using #14awg cu wire during short peaks of 12 amps current draw.

Voltage drop: 3.85
Voltage drop percentage: 3.21%
Voltage at the end: 116.15

15 amps.

Voltage drop: 4.81
Voltage drop percentage: 4.01%
Voltage at the end: 115.19

https://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html?necmaterial=copper&necwiresize=0&nec...

FWIW a 15 amp breaker will pass short quick draws of current well over the 15 amp handle rating all day long with out tripping. VD will be proportional to the length of the branch circuit wiring and the higher current draw on the circuit.

.

Seems odd to me that there is a 15 amp breaker on 12/2 wiring. I would check that the entire circuit is wired in 12/2.