30 amp / 12-3 wire question

[Scottydarc]

I have an appliance that requires 30 amps, and we have a 12/3 Romex wired to it. Is there anyway to get a 30 amp circuit using 12/3? THANKS!

[Billy_Bob]

The circuit breaker protects the wiring for the size installed. So the breaker goes along with the wire size.

Also some things do not run well on undersized wire.

You need to run new wiring.

[msteger]

Why risk a possible fire?!? Run new 10/3 copper (which is rated for 30 Amps) and be done with it. Physics is physics.. try to pull too much current through a piece of copper wire and it WILL overheat and possibly burn.

[John Dirks Jr]

I agree, run the correct size wire. Also, keep in mind that if you have an undersized wire, the longer the run, the more risk there is.

[Phillip]

Originally posted by Scottydarc

I have an appliance that requires 30 amps, and we have a 12/3 Romex wired to it. Is there anyway to get a 30 amp circuit using 12/3? THANKS!

Does the unit require a 30 amp breaker or is it pulling an 30 amp run load?

[msteger]

If the appliance "requires 30 Amps" (has a 30 Amp max load rating), I may even be inclined to use a 40 Amp circuit. What type of appliance is it? What does the label or manual give as the electrical requirement?

[hausdok]

Hi,

The answer to the original question is quite simply "No."

Write it up - The yadda-yadda draws a 30-amp load and is only wired for a 20-amp load; if this isn't corrected the wiring will overheat and might even start a fire. This is a fire hazard; get an electrician to re-wire the circuit to the yadda-yadda now."

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Kyle Kubs]

Actually it depends. What kind of appliance are we talking about?

If its a central air conditioning compressor that has a 30 amp max. fuse/breaker rating but a Min. circuit ampacity of 18 amps. it's fine.

Now if your talking electric water heater... No good replace the wire.