upgrading breaker box questions

i only know like 40% of what i’m talking about

i’m running a 240 panel
all of my breakers are single pole 20s
and then there’s a dual 30 for the hot water heater (which is flipped off because we don’t use it)
there’s room for more circuits to be ran.

first question, if i upgrade all of these 20s to 25s
That means each circuit can handle 25a vs 20a right?

i’m about to add my final light fans etc to the last 6x10 space in my whole grow and i’m wondering if instead of running a dedicated circuit for that space if i could just upgrade my 20s to 25s? and not have to buy a new circuit and then run the electricity and wiring to a new spot.

Cvntcrusher said:

i only know like 40% of what i’m talking about

i’m running a 240 panel
all of my breakers are single pole 20s
and then there’s a dual 30 for the hot water heater (which is flipped off because we don’t use it)
there’s room for more circuits to be ran.

first question, if i upgrade all of these 20s to 25s
That means each circuit can handle 25a vs 20a right?

i’m about to add my final light fans etc to the last 6x10 space in my whole grow and i’m wondering if instead of running a dedicated circuit for that space if i could just upgrade my 20s to 25s? and not have to buy a new circuit and then run the electricity and wiring to a new spot.

Click to expand...

You should probably consult with a licensed electrician. You need to upgrade wiring when you upgrade the breakers.

Cvntcrusher said:

i only know like 40% of what i’m talking about

i’m running a 240 panel
all of my breakers are single pole 20s
and then there’s a dual 30 for the hot water heater (which is flipped off because we don’t use it)
there’s room for more circuits to be ran.

first question, if i upgrade all of these 20s to 25s
That means each circuit can handle 25a vs 20a right?

i’m about to add my final light fans etc to the last 6x10 space in my whole grow and i’m wondering if instead of running a dedicated circuit for that space if i could just upgrade my 20s to 25s? and not have to buy a new circuit and then run the electricity and wiring to a new spot.

Click to expand...

NO

The wiring is only capable of the current breaker size
If you upsize breakers you need to pull new wire
You need a professional

Nope_49595933949 said:

You should probably consult with a licensed electrician. You need to upgrade wiring when you upgrade the breakers.

Click to expand...

Jinks

Technically speaking, if the wiring is capable of 25A, then yes. But, this is one of those areas where it is never a bad idea to have a licensed electrician look at it and make that call. Nothing will ruin your day or your yield quite like a fire from an overloaded circuit.

if the wiring is not capable of more than 20, technically, the 25A breaker would not trip, and would allow excessive current into the circuit, potentially causing overheating and fire.

bk78 said:

if the wiring is not capable of more than 20, technically, the 25A breaker would not trip, and would allow excessive current into the circuit, potentially causing overheating and fire.

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i’m gonna have my electrician buddy run a dedicated circuit for the final place lol

TCH said:

Technically speaking, if the wiring is capable of 25A, then yes. But, this is one of those areas where it is never a bad idea to have a licensed electrician look at it and make that call. Nothing will ruin your day or your yield quite like a fire from an overloaded circuit.

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And insurance telling you kick rocks

i just messaged him to have him come out! thank you guys

A good way to begin a fire in your walls.

Do not do this at all.

Also depending on how much of a draw you will be pulling you might need a Main Panel Upgrade to 200amp.

See an electrician

Wizzlebiz said:

A good way to begin a fire in your walls.

Do not do this at all.

Also depending on how much of a draw you will be pulling you might need a Main Panel Upgrade to 200amp.

See an electrician

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so my main panel is a 200A

i was told by the electrician coming out that i’m not even using half of the max power draw my system has so i’m in good hands atm i just have to make sure to spread the power use out so i don’t overload any circuits and flip the breaker. so far i have everything spread out well my 800W light is on it’s on circuit. my veg/clone setup is on its own circuit etc.

but in order to run this last setup with an 800W light, and some fans i need to have a dedicated circuit for that space as well. i have one already wired i believe

Cvntcrusher said:

so my main panel is a 200A

i was told by the electrician coming out that i’m not even using half of the max power draw my system has so i’m in good hands atm i just have to make sure to spread the power use out so i don’t overload any circuits and flip the breaker. so far i have everything spread out well my 800W light is on it’s on circuit. my veg/clone setup is on its own circuit etc.

but in order to run this last setup with an 800W light, and some fans i need to have a dedicated circuit for that space as well. i have one already wired i believe

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Sparky will calc it, I just upgraded from a 100A to a 200A panel and it’s easy for them to calculate breaker and wire sizes and can pull the permit & schedule the inspection.

ooof-da said:

Sparky will calc it, I just upgraded from a 100A to a 200A panel and it’s easy for them to calculate breaker and wire sizes and can pull the permit & schedule the inspection.

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Don’t forget the inspection part. If some disaster were to happen from un-permitted and un-inspected wiring you will be held liable for the damage. Your landlord and his insurer will not receive any money.

Cvntcrusher said:

so my main panel is a 200A

i was told by the electrician coming out that i’m not even using half of the max power draw my system has so i’m in good hands atm i just have to make sure to spread the power use out so i don’t overload any circuits and flip the breaker. so far i have everything spread out well my 800W light is on it’s on circuit. my veg/clone setup is on its own circuit etc.

but in order to run this last setup with an 800W light, and some fans i need to have a dedicated circuit for that space as well. i have one already wired i believe

Click to expand...

Just make sure the wiring guage is suitable for what you are attempting to draw on the circuit. You may need a larger guage wire for your application.