I need to have a 20 amp circuit for my compressor in the garage. The current breaker is 15 amps. How do I get to 20? Is it as simple as changing the breaker?

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N. Hodges
1994 S350
1987 300 SDL (for sale)

To get the circuit breaker to the correct amperage rating is a mere breaker change out. I would suggest you also confirm the wiring is good for that kind of amperage rating. It should not be a problem, depending on where you live and therefore what the rules are. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

You can burn down your house and void your fie insurance if you are not careful. You should go to great lengths to make sure the wiring will carry the extra amps.

I highly doubt your compressor is pushing 15 amps, your current breaker is likely worn out or you have another load on it that's pushing it to the red line.'

For 20 amps you have to use 12 Ga wire, if you have space in your panel just run a dedicated circuit to the location.

Anything the NEEDS a 20 amp receptacle will have an off set neutral prong on the power cord , it wont hurt to use a 20 amp receptacle though.


Depending on the size of your home and the pain the the ass factor a new feed to a garage should be in the $150-250 range.

Thanks guys. I have a 220 line (dryer is gas) withih 5 feet of the garage. Can this be split off or stepped down to 110/115/120? I am seeking ideas to get more power to the garage. This so that I can at least talk, somewhat, intelligently with a contractor/ electrician.

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N. Hodges
1994 S350
1987 300 SDL (for sale)

Yes you can use one leg of the 220 to get 110 check with you electrician.
Also some compressors are wired to be used on either 110 0r 220 this can be changed by a simple wire change on the motor check with the Company that made it.