15 Amp Circuit Breaker

Summary: Learn about the 15 Amp Circuit Breaker for home electrical circuits.

The 15 amp circuit breaker is a common item in a home electrical service panel and can be found at most major hardware stores and electrical wholesale supply houses. This full size breaker is typically less expensive that a twin or a quad style circuit breaker even though it is a 15 amp size. When adding circuits to a panel that is becoming crowded it is sometimes required to install a twin circuit breaker in order to create space for the new circuit. This ITE Siemens brand circuit breaker is a very reliable brand, however just like anything else care must be taken when installing the circuit breaker and making the wire connection at the screw terminal to ensure a solid contact with the electrical panel and the circuit wire conductor.

Understanding 15 Amp Circuit Breaker

	Characteristics Of Some 15 Amp Circuit Breaker 15 Amp Circuit Breaker are found in several Home Electrical Panels
		A Full Size 15 Amp Circuit Breaker This full size 1-pole or single pole 15 amp circuit breaker is one that is commonly found in electrical panels of newer homes or homes that have their electrical service panel replaced with a larger and more up to date electrical service.
		Switch On and Off 15 Amp Circuit Breaker The 15 amp circuit breaker is commonly use for lighting circuits or general purpose outlets where AFCI protection is not required. The full size enables easy operation for switching the circuit on or off. The middle position of the switch handle would indicate that the circuit breaker has tripped off and would need to be reset.
		15 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Connection This brand of 15 amp circuit breaker has a two sided contact surface which help to create a firm connection with the electrical panel buss. These contact surfaces offer maximum contact because of the flat surface area that will slide over the panel buss.
		15 Amp Circuit Breaker Wire Terminal The wire terminal of this 15 amp circuit breaker is easily visible allowing the electrician to see the terminal to make sure the wire has been inserted into the terminal. the size of the screw of the wire terminal is a good size to allow easy tightening and the access to the screw terminal is easily accessed, yet the metal parts of the terminal does not stick which keeps the terminal area safe from unwanted contact exposure.
		Identifying the 15 Amp Circuit Breaker Type As with any electrical part, this 15 amp circuit breaker is clearly labeled providing full information about the brand, type and application information that may be necessary in order to make the right selection for an electrical circuit project.

15 Amp Circuit Breaker Application

I'm wiring approximately 30 feet of wire underneath my house .Should I use 12-2 or 10-3 due to the length.

Mike, 30 feet is not a distance to be concerned about as it applies to voltage drop, what you need to pay attention to is what the circuit is to be used for - or what is the application?

For example: general purpose lighting and/or outlets can be wired with 12-2 Romex placed on a 20 amp circuit breaker, or 14-2 Romex placed on a 15 amp circuit breaker.

This page has a chart showing wire sizes and amperages which should be helpful as well:
Electrical Wire

NOTE: This question is based on a specific project. Ask The Electrician provides help for your electrical project: Ask Electrical Questions

Circuit Breaker and Buzzing Sound

Daniel, from Long Valley, New Jersey asks:
My house has 200 amp Cutler Hammer Service and recently sustained a lightning strike. All the surge suppressors for TV, computers, etc were fried and replaced. In addition to this damage there are two ceiling fans on the same circuit that are making humming/buzzing noise since the damage. The noise changed from one fan to the other fan. Both of these fans were recently replaced and the noise is still there. Should I suspect that the breaker was damaged and is no good?

Dave's reply:
Daniel, the performance of a circuit breaker should not have an effect on the electrical devices in the home because the circuit breaker will either be on or off. If you hear a buzzing noise coming from the ceiling fan then it is likely that the ceiling fan has been damaged and may need to be replaced, however it would be a good idea to have an electrician inspect the electrical panel and the circuit breakers.

Hobby Shop Power

I am trying to wire in a small hobby wood shop to my house. I don't need any sort of 220, just typical outlets and lighting, as if wiring in another room of the house. Can you power another sub panel from a spare breaker located in the house's beaker panel? Or do you have to run another separate feed from the meter?

Dave's Reply:
Scott, a circuit can be brought from the house breaker panel to power the Hobby Shop.
Here is an article about Installing a Shed Circuit which may be helpful for you:
http://www.ask-the-electrician.com/electrical/circuits/installing-a-shed-circuit.html

Dave

RESOURCES

Cutler Hammer Circuit Breakers
General Electric Circuit Breakers
Siemens Residential Circuit Breakers
Square D Circuit Breakers

15 Amp Circuit Breaker

Understanding 15 Amp Circuit Breaker

Characteristics Of Some 15 Amp Circuit Breaker

A Full Size 15 Amp Circuit Breaker

Switch On and Off 15 Amp Circuit Breaker

15 Amp Circuit Breaker Panel Connection

15 Amp Circuit Breaker Wire Terminal