switch 20 amp brkers to 30 amp

USA Traveler wrote:
… the main and a/c breakers alternately blow during the hot Texas summer days …

On hot days when every A/C in the park is running the line voltage can drop because of the load.

If the line voltage drops to less than 115 Volts, the current drawn by your A/C will increase, sometimes to the point of tripping the breaker.

If you go from 20 amp to 30 amp breakers call the fire department and let them know where you are parked so the response time can be faster. Seriously though, you should never "up size" to a bigger breaker, going smaller or staying the same if fine. Not knowing the wire size installed in the camper, (i would guess it is exactly the right size for the original breaker) I would never recommend a larger breaker in place of a smaller. Ask an electrician to look at it. There is a reason the AC is popping the breaker, it could be the breaker needs replacement, or the AC is drawing to much current, and needs to be repaired. My guess without looking at it based on your info is, you have a problem with the AC. The breakers are likely cheaper, and much easier to replace. So give that a shot if you are comfortable with it, but be prepared to get that AC unit looked at.

When I purchased a new Power Distribution Panel that came without circuit breakers installed I was able to find the exact circuit breakers required at LOWES.

They was easy to install for me with the only thing to really watch for was the correct torque down of the wiring terminal. I had to purchase a proper sized Phillips type screwdriver (also available from Lowes) that fits the lug screw. Some lugs use the ALLEN type screw heads as well. I took a screw lug with me to Lowes when I got my circuit breakers. My #2 standard size Phillips Screwdriver just didn't fit it right

Roy Ken

Like the above poster has stated, your rig is 8 years old. breakers don't last forever, they get weakier with age and load. Inside a circuit breaker is a small dioelectric strip that acts like a trigger when it gets hot (heat rated). something else you might do is, pull the panel cover and tighten all the screws, theyve probably gotten loose over the years. A loose connection can also cause the breaker to get hot, and trip. Up sizing the breaker to a 30 amp is a BIG NO-NO. Your A/C unit probably draws 13 to 14 amps. Also remember that a amp rated circuit breaker is only good for 80% of it's rating. So a 20 amp breaker is only good for up to 16 amps. check your A/C unit to see what it's amp rating is for sure. Then, with a volt-amp-ohm meter check the amp draw of the A/C unit when it's compressor is running. Hope this heplps you out.

Do NOT do that!!!

If they are tripping, they are tripping for a reason. It could be as simple as what camperpaul indicated, or it could be a sign of something more serious.

Please PLEASE go employ a qualified electrician. You do not have to go to an RV repair shop. The same electrician that fixes a circuit in your bricks and sticks can help you address this.

I do not want to read your obituary where you died in your burned up RV!

Increasing the amp rating of a breaker risks a fire. A wire that can only safely carry 20 amps is now being asked to carry 30 amps, a 50% increase. That translates into too much heat, melted insulation, and ignition. The breakers are matched to the wire size.

The only exception to that is you can always DECREASE the amp rating of a breaker compared to wire size since that doesn't increase the possible amp draw over insufficient wiring. When I upped the wire from my converter to my batteries from 8g to 4g, I left the breaker size the same as it was for the 8g wire. I wasn't going for increased amperage, I was merely going for a decrease in voltage drop.

Thank you all for the advice, as I have no idea about electricity. I do have the extended warranty, so guess I will have the A/C checked out first, then go from there. I really appreciate the help. Of course, maybe it is time for a new RV:B

NO :E

Start by replacing the 20 with a like 20 and check your voltage. Then check amp draw as the compressor might be on the way out.

You should check the neutral (white wires) connections in the rear of the circuit breaker panel.
The breakers are over heating causing them to trip. You should not switch to larger capacity. The breakers are sized for the wire and the load.

Replace the 20 Amp breakers with new 20 Amp breakers.

Your old ones are 8 years old and probably worn out.