New Electrical Circuits and Wiring Questions

C

coralreefer

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Long story short, I have a brand new breaker box installed. Now I am going to run two new circuits for the aquarium.

1. Should I install 20A or 15A circuits - I always thought 20A.

2. What size wire should I use? The run is 40 feet away from the box.

3. Should I install a GFI on each circuit? I read somewhere that some people dont like the GFI on main return pump so that it doesnt trip and stop the return flow?!
 
20 amp breakers are better because they can handle more of a load, and I believe you need to use 10/2 wiring rather than 12/2. Double check with the guys in the electrical department to match the breaker to the wiring. I do know 14/2 is for 15amp breakers.

I have two circuits on GCFI, and one on a regular breaker - specifically to not lose flow due to a nuisance trip.
 
Thanks for the info. You all just reassured me of what I was already thinking! I'll check on 12/2 or 10/2, but I do think that it is 12/2 as well.
 
per the code 12 gauge is rated for 20 amps. If you are running 2 circuits u can use 12/3 which is a red, black, white and ground wire. If you buy it by the foot then you will save yourself a little cash. On the flip side make sure that's all you need for circuits. The ratings are 80 percent of the maximum load which is a safe factor used in residential wiring and also calculated by the code. So a 20 amp breaker should be used for 16 amps or less. Figure your load and make sure you do not need 3 circuits, which is highly unlikely but im not sure how big your tank and everything is.
 
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