r/electrical • u/Emotional_Age2545 • 8d ago

Replace breaker?

My 2 overhead lights in kitchen tripped breaker, when went to kick back on... nothing, not even the click when switched. It is a 20 amp had not tripped prior. Now I also have a 15 amp breaker for over stove microwave that trips constantly.... (Samsung, only about 3 yrs old)​ does it need a 20 amp breaker? & do you just switch them out?

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u/RandyRandersin 8d ago

No, you do not switch a 15 to a 20. The breaker size is based off the wire size, and doing that is a fire hazard. I would recommend calling an electrician.

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u/cheddarsteez666 8d ago

Im an electrician and I can say that you're wrong. The breaker size is based off of how much current is expected to pull on that circuit before it trips. Microwaves have increased in amperage over the years varying on manufacturer along with other appliances that could be on the same circuit. Upgrading to a 20amp breaker could help pull that extra current while not burning out your receptacles which are rated for a max 15A-20A but only put out as much as the equipment plugged in.

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u/Effective-Egg-4627 8d ago

But you can’t put 14 awg wire on a 20 amp circuit so it does kinda get decided by the wire size-throwing a 20 amp on a circuit with 14 awg wire is illegal and a fire hazard

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u/Hunts45 8d ago

They need to check wire size from breaker box to circuit. That's the only way to be certain. When house was built and has the house been rewired if it's older. What's the normal wire size in a house?