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Frequently Asked Questions

LiveWire Electrical Supply is your trusted source for hard-to-find electrical supplies, offering a wide selection of circuit breakers, fuses, safety switches, and industrial control products—all ready to ship the same day. With real-time stock and price checks, you can easily find what you need at competitive prices, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects. Our experts are available to assist with part identification and technical support, while our expedited shipping options and free UPS Ground shipping on qualifying orders ensure fast delivery. For 24/7 assistance and personalized support, call 1-650-692-0700.

Can I replace a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker?

It depends on the wire size and the load of the circuit.

A circuit breaker is designed to protect the wires from overheating and causing a fire. A 15 amp breaker is usually paired with a 14 gauge wire, which can safely handle up to 15 amps of current. A 20 amp breaker is usually paired with a 12 gauge wire, which can safely handle up to 20 amps of current.

If you replace a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker, you are allowing more current to flow through the wires than they are rated for. This can cause the wires to overheat and melt the insulation, creating a fire hazard. The only time you can safely replace a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker is if the wire size is also upgraded to 12 gauge or larger.

What breakers are compatible with General Electric?

GE panels are designed to work with GE breakers, but there are some other brands that are compatible with GE panels as well. However, you need to be careful when choosing a different brand of breaker, because not all of them are interchangeable or safe to use with GE panels.

 

Siemens: Siemens breakers are commonly known as a good match and interchangeable with GE breakers. However, you need to check the model numbers and ratings of both breakers to make sure they are compatible.

 

Eaton: Eaton breakers are also compatible with some GE panels, but you have to check their model numbers and ratings as well. Eaton has acquired some other brands, such as Cutler-Hammer and Westinghouse, which may also be compatible with GE panels.

 

Square D: Square D breakers are not compatible with GE panels, because they have a different shape and design. Square D breakers can only be used with Square D panels.

 

Please note: Most Load Center breakers are designed to fit into panels made by other manufacturers. For instance, an Eaton BR115 can be used in the same space as a Siemens Q115. However, not all manufacturers have obtained UL (Underwriter Laboratories) listing for their breakers to be installed in panels from different brands. UL, founded in 1894 in Chicago, is a third-party certification company with a century-long history. Their aim is to certify products to enhance safety for both workers and consumers. It’s important to be aware that mixing breakers from different manufacturers could potentially void the warranty and lead to inspection failure by the inspector. Moreover, certain insurance policies might not cover damages resulting from the use of incompatible breakers.

Should you choose to explore mixing breakers and load centers from different manufacturers, it’s imperative to ensure they are listed and labeled as compatible. Look for breakers that are UL-listed for use with your specific load center.

Seeking guidance from a qualified electrician and adhering to manufacturer recommendations is crucial when contemplating the use of third-party breakers to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your electrical system.

What is the difference between Type A and Type B circuit breakers?

Type A circuit breakers trip when the current flowing through them exceeds 2-3 times their rated current. This makes them ideal for protecting sensitive electronic devices, such as computers and appliances, from damage caused by short circuits. However, they are not as effective against overloads, which can occur when too many devices are plugged into the same circuit.

Type B circuit breakers will trip when the current flowing through them exceeds 3-5 times their rated current. This makes them more suitable against overloads than Type A breakers. However, they are not as sensitive to short circuits, and may not be adequate for sensitive electronic devices.

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We strive to ship out your items within one business day. The shipping process may take up to 5 business days on some occasions. Feel free to contact us if your order is time sensitive. Call (650) 777-0060 or email sales@apxpwr.com for help.

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