15A vs 30A what is the diff at the breaker?

[iLLperception]

My garage has a separate 15A fuse/breaker or whatever you call it, that is labeled "Garage door opener", and the only thing connected to this fuse is the single outlet that the garage door is plugged into. I need some more power to my grow so was thinking of using this outlet.

I don't know much about electrical stuff, but I was wondering what is the difference between a 15A and 30A line, besides the obvious fact that it handles double the load? Is the wire gauge on the electrical wire they run different? Is there ANY diff other that the capacity of the fuse? I was going to hire an electrician to run another 30A line into my garage, then my buddy says "just swap the 15A switch/fuse for a 30A". That sounds WAY too easy, lol. I must be missing something. I'm just a bit paranoid about having an electrician come to my house. Help!!!

 

[Guest]

Yes you can use the circuit that is dedicated to the garage door opener for your grow. For the purpose of a continuous load (3 or more hours per cycle) you can pull 12 amps.

Your second question indicates that you have no knowledge of the very basic electrical theory, I would therefore strongly suggest that you hire a licensed electrician to set up your electrical needs.

Good Luck and Peace

TyStik

 

[yamaha_1fan]

I concur with Ty, get an electrician.

FYI, The breaker/fuse and wire gauge are matched. Next time you see your buddy, you should punch him right in the mouth, no hesitation. His advice would have burnt your house down for sure.

 

[iLLperception]

Ha yeah, I see that the wire gauge would need to be 10 for a 30A fuse (if I read right). And, for the record, I have never planned on doing this myself. I am just looking to be educated so I know what to tell the electrician. i.e. I want to say "install a 30A fuse and run the line into the garage terminated at 4 outlets" rather that "what would you suggest I install to run 2400W of grow lights plus 1000W of ventilation and water pumps, etc"... lol

anyway, Thanks Ty and yamaha for the help! I think I am best suited having another 30A run into my grow area for lights (2400W planned), and using the existing 15A to power the rest of the equipment (no more than 1000W).

 

[hoosierdaddy]

The fuse thingy is called a breaker switch.
Your electrician will be able to tell you if he can do this with the existing breaker panel or if an additional lug is needed. More than likely you will be fine with existing if your house isn't too old, or full of things added in the past. Code will only allow so many breakers to be run from a given box. If there are blank spots (knockout indents not knocked out) then you will probably just need a new breaker and some romex run to your new outlets.
If it is full, you may still have options with the existing, but you may need to run a remote breaker lug. An honest electrician will get the proper items needed, but some may rape you on doing this. You may save money by buying all the needed equipment for a lug yourself and letting the electrician install them.

 

[Guest]

Hoosier??????????

 

[g123rock]

15 amps is 1800 watts @ 120