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Think I need to upgrade my circuit breaker...

Discussion in 'Growing Marijuana Indoors' started by Alexa_, Jul 1, 2020.

  1. #1 Alexa_, Jul 1, 2020
    So, where I live I REALLY need an AC unit to keep the grow room cool. I set it up today with some friends and turned it on, but after about 10-20 minutes, it tripped the breaker. I already called my electrician friend to come check it out, but is there any way for them to do the upgrade without going into the room? I think it's just the circuit breaker overloading, so I don't think I need all new wires or anything. I'd like to save myself from the conversation, lol.
     
  2. #2 abrooks12376, Jul 1, 2020
    May need a larger gauge wire from the panel to grow. If your panel is maxed out you'll need a new service/panel or an auxiliary panel. Either way, an electrician will tell you what's up.

    Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
     
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  3. #3 batey01, Jul 1, 2020
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  4. #4 Alexa_, Jul 1, 2020
    I tried that. I guess the casita I'm using for this just has really shitty breakers. It's kind of old. I just don't want to have to throw out another thousand dollars on something. >.>
     
  5. #5 Q Banger, Jul 1, 2020
    Had the same issue in my garage. Ran a dedicated circuit just for the AC. Next I'm going to run one for the lights only
     

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  6. #6 DaPhats, Jul 1, 2020
    You cant just put a bigger breaker in. The breaker and the wire coming from it are a specific size. If you install a larger breaker on a wire it will allow more power on the wire, which creates more heat than the wire can handle and can start a fire. So unfortunately, if you want a bigger breaker they usually need to run new wires.

    You're best bet is probably finding a circuit you're not using for anything and running an extension cord.

    Most heaters and AC's are 1500 watts which is basically the limit for a 15 amp circuit (the standard circuit size). So they almost always need to be on their own circuit.
     
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  7. #7 DaPhats, Jul 1, 2020
    If it is simply bad breakers your buddy should easily be able to test that with a multimeter. They can definitely go bad after a few decades. Good Luck
     
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  8. #8 Q Banger, Jul 1, 2020
    No. Do not use an extension cord. Plug it directly into socket. That's a fire hazard. She needs a dedicated 20A circuit no way around it. I tried every trick in the book but kept tripping breakers until I ran a dedicated circuit. Hasn't tripped since.
     
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  9. #9 SugarPistils, Jul 1, 2020
    I had a new breaker box (in garage) put in last year and there was no need for the electrician to see my grow room.
     
  10. #10 DaPhats, Jul 1, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2020
    Not if you're using a 20a extension cord on a 15a circuit. Cord length plays a factor. Also depends on how many watts the ac pulls.

    Heck, for all we know she might even have a 20a circuit ;)

    I agree that plugging into the wall is the proper way to do it.
     
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  11. #11 Alexa_, Jul 2, 2020
    I think it's a 15 amp, but I wouldn't know lol. I just know that even with everything else off, the ac-unit trips the breaker. I also tried running one of those heavy duty extension cords to another outlet but no luck The ac says it's like 11 amps so I'm guessing it's just old breakers but I'll probably need a dedicated circuit also. :confused_2:
     
  12. #12 WesternMAGrower, Jul 2, 2020
    The breaker that keeps tripping should be labeled 15 or 20. If it's 15, then thats likely your problem, as I'm assuming the ac isnt the only thing on that breaker. But I wouldnt take any electrical advice from anyone except your electrician. Could really be a number of things, but likely just an overloaded breaker. Best of luck!!!
     
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  13. #13 Alexa_, Jul 2, 2020
    I'll go check it out tonight. The electrician didn't end up coming today. :eek:

    I already need to transplant my seeds!!
     
  14. #14 DaPhats, Jul 2, 2020
    Sounds like it's best to wait for your electrician buddy have a look at it.

    In the meantime you could try to put a fan in a window to keep things a bit cooler. Cardboard and duct tape make great DIY ducting ;)
     
  15. #15 old shol4evr, Jul 2, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2021
    delete
     
  16. #16 abrooks12376, Jul 2, 2020
    Yes, older the house, more likely, when the electrician updated wiring and receptacles he chose the path of least resistance in snaking new wiring. My 100 year old house... 5 years and I'm still erasing and labeling the panel breakers. It's literally a non sensical mystery

    Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
     
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  17. #17 old shol4evr, Jul 2, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2021
    delete
     
  18. #18 abrooks12376, Jul 2, 2020
    When we bought the house I was running the shop vac in the basement and smelled burning plastic, panel was melting. My electrician installed new 200 amp service and panel but laughed when I asked him to label breakers.

    Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
     
  19. #19 old shol4evr, Jul 2, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2021
    delete
     

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