Looking to buy General Electric circuit breakers but not sure what amp rating fits your job? Whether you’re outfitting a residential panel or planning a commercial install, choosing the wrong amp size can cost you in tripped circuits—or worse, electrical fires. Here’s a no-fluff, expert-level guide to help you size GE breakers correctly based on NEC guidelines, load type, and matching wire gauges.
Quick Reference: Common GE Breaker Amp Ratings
| Breaker Size | Common Use Case | Compatible Wire Gauge (Copper) |
| 15A | Lighting, small outlets | 14 AWG |
| 20A | Kitchens, bathrooms, garages | 12 AWG |
| 30A | Water heaters, small AC units | 10 AWG |
| 40A | Large AC units, ovens | 8 AWG |
| 60A | Subpanels, electric ranges | 6 AWG |
| 100A+ | Main panels, whole-house systems | 3 AWG and larger |
Why Amp Rating Matters in GE Breakers
When you buy General Electric circuit breakers, your goal isn’t just to complete a panel—it’s to protect your wiring, your appliances, and your property. The amp rating determines how much current the breaker can handle before tripping. Oversize it, and you risk overheating wires. Undersize it, and you’ll be resetting breakers every other day.
Think a 20A breaker is always better than a 15A? You might be risking code violations and fire hazards. More on that below.
What’s the Difference Between Continuous vs. Non-Continuous Loads?
You can’t size a breaker properly without understanding load types:
- Continuous Load: Runs for 3+ hours (like HVAC, lighting systems).
- Non-Continuous Load: Runs intermittently (like tools, appliances).
NEC 210.20(A) mandates that breakers used for continuous loads must be rated 125% of the load. For example, if your HVAC draws 24 amps continuously, you’ll need at least a 30A breaker.
Pro Tip: Always check the device label for amperage draw and duty cycle before selecting the breaker.
What Does NEC Say About Breaker Sizing?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is your playbook when choosing breaker sizes. As per NEC Article 240, a breaker must:
- Protect the circuit wiring
- Match the ampacity of the conductors
- Be rated appropriately for the type of load (continuous vs. non-continuous)
So, if you’re running a 20A breaker, your wire must be able to carry 20A safely—no exceptions.
Are you upsizing your breakers just because they keep tripping? That might be the biggest mistake you’re making.
How to Match Wire Gauge to GE Breaker Amp Size
Not sure what wire pairs with your breaker? Matching amp size with the correct wire gauge is crucial. Here’s how:
- 15A → 14 AWG
- 20A → 12 AWG
- 30A → 10 AWG
- 40A → 8 AWG
- 60A → 6 AWG
This match ensures your wire doesn’t overheat or fail under load. For aluminum wire, always increase the gauge by one.
Curious how this connects to your panel install? Let’s say you’re working on an outdoor subpanel—don’t forget a bell electrical box cover to protect it from weather exposure.
Common Mistakes: Why Upsizing Isn’t Always the Answer
One of the most frequent errors in the field is swapping a 15A breaker for a 20A after it trips. You’re not fixing the issue—you’re just bypassing a safety mechanism. Instead:
- Diagnose the load (is it overloaded?)
- Check for faulty wiring
- Review the wire gauge before considering a larger breaker
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (2023), over 28,000 home fires yearly are caused by electrical malfunctions—many linked to improperly sized breakers.
Planning to install a 100A breaker for a subpanel? There’s one wire sizing mistake even experienced contractors miss—read further before wiring it.
When Should You Choose 15A, 20A, or More?
Here’s how to decide between GE 15 amp vs 20 amp breaker options:
- Use 15A for bedrooms, small lighting circuits, or home offices
- Use 20A for kitchen outlets, garage tools, or bathroom GFCIs
- Use 30A+ for dryers, AC units, water heaters
Always cross-check the circuit breaker amp rating guide and wire specs before installation.
Tip for contractors and supply buyers: Before you buy General Electric circuit breakers, check your project’s NEC load calculation and panel rating to avoid buying incompatible or oversize units.
Final Take: Your Practical Buying Checklist
Before you place that bulk order or walk into the electrical aisle, run through this checklist:
Know your load type (continuous/non-continuous)
Match amp rating to wire gauge
Follow NEC 125% rule for continuous loads
Never upsize without understanding the cause
Verify your breaker fits the panel type and usage class
Whether you’re outfitting a residential project or scaling up a commercial build, knowing how to choose the right amp rating helps avoid expensive callbacks and ensures NEC compliance. Now that you know what to look for, you’re ready to confidently buy General Electric circuit breakers that meet both your application and code requirements.
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