[ztoy]

The rating is per leg.

[schnitz]

Originally Posted by ztoy

I am a licensed journeyman electrician.

The device is rated at 20.9 amps, not 20. You go to the next size breaker, a 30 amp. It is 240 volt so it requires a 2 pole, 30 amp breaker. The wire size for 30 amps is #10 copper or #6 aluminum. You can legally, according to the NEC, use a larger size wire, but the overcurrent protection must match the rated size per the nameplate. Period, end of story. In addition, since the instructions call for specific wire size, etc, you might want to heed them to protect your warranty, and potentially your or your loved ones life. But its your decision. Listen to advice from a professional or take advice from amateurs, your call.

One extra footnote to that, Do not, I repeat, DO NOT simply trust the NEC as a stand alone guide for doing the wiring. Local codes are often more strict than the National Electric Code, and they have the final jurisdiction. The only reason I know this is because I had to take the basic 8 week Code Fundamentals class for my job. Doesn't make me a professional, or a know -it-all, but it is something to consider as nonetheless. Otherwise, great post ztoy.


In a while, Chet.

[ztoy]

right you are schnitz.

Sorry if I came across like an ***....my saying has been 'do it how you feel is best then call me and I'll fix it'...lol but I don't want someone dying from one of my fav car sites because he/she took some of the ridiculous advice like I've read in some of the posts.

[schnitz]

I see right were you are coming from, ztoy, and I don't believe you sound like an arse. More "electrically knowledged" than most of the rest of us, but an arse, no. And I like the safety behind doing it the instructed way.


In a while, Chet.