Electricians, question about tripped circuit
 

I have a 15amp breaker in the box and when I run multiple items in the garage it keeps tripping. It's been really annoying lately so I've been really careful about running stuff and unplugging items while I use other stuff. Any ways, what if I just change out the 15 to a 20amp would that help or cure the problem?

How hard would it be to pull another line from the garage? Most likely it would even trip a 20amp if it only trips on power up when tools draw the most.

You getting any snow yet?

You need a new dedicated line or maybe even a new box just for the garage. Call an electrician because this is a standard project for them.

Upgrading a breaker from 15 amp to 20 might cure the tripping problem....
The wire is most likely 14 gauge and rated for 15 amps. If you put more amps through that wire, it may melt/start a fire.
Your insurance co will not look kindly on this....

Oh yeah the snow is coming and blowing around. Well what happened is I tapped into the circuit and added some new outlets not thinking it would be an issue. And it hasn't been for years. It's only an issue now because there is a heater in there now and the deep freezer kicks on/off and when I throw the air compressor or lift in there it trips all the time. What a pain in the butt because it's in the basement. It trips when stuff kicks on and sometimes it's fine and sometimes it trips when stuff kicks off.

It's the 14-2 wire and where I tapped in I used 12-2 so would it be ok?

I would pull a new line for the heater at least. Do your lights flicker when the compressor is running? 12 is used with 20amp but how long of run too?

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The run is short but there are many, 5? Yes the lights flicker when the freezer kicks on. I'm going to take that out of the equation soon because all these issues really came up when I installed it. Maybe I'll just get rid of it and put the stand up one back in the basement and be worry free...

Can you re wire the whole run with 12 gauge?
If not, then no....

When the 15 amp breaker trips it is telling you the circuit is overloaded. If you replace it with a 20 the smoke and flames shooting out of the walls will tell you the circuit is overloaded. Either way, you are asking the wires and wire connections to carry more current than they are designed for. You need to have an additional circuit installed.

Oh, I'm sure it can be done but it'll be a a pain now it's all insulated up there. I was trying to find the easy way out but I don't want to cause a fire. Probably running a new wire would be just as difficult. I'll call my electrician to see what he comes up with..

Definately pulling too many amps. Can you run a dedicated line to the fridge, even if it's in conduit on top of the drywall? It should be on one anyway.

With all that you're running, you may want two circuits in the garage.

Bill,
I would see about running a dedicated circuit for the lift, if anything. I'm not good with 'lectrical stuff so I can't help you out.

Sure.... Only the 14 ga would catch fire.

Ok, thanks guys. I won't change it and I'll call an electrican.

Do yourself a favor and have a sub panel put in the garage.

Or just replace the breaker that's become weak from tripping.
Sparks and flames? C'mon..
Hang an amp probe on it and see what you're really drawing.

Or pay an electrician.

Breakers do get weak with age and continued cycling.
A new 15 amp breaker would be worth trying if you don't have an amp clamp.

Sparks and flames? Sure. That is how homes and garages burn down. Poorly installed and improperly upgraded wiring.

Yeah, I know it's expensive and troublesome, but worth it to me. My house was overbuilt and overmaintained by the PO/Builder, and the older I get, the more I like the idea of doing more than the minimum required. I think I went with either 4 or 6 AWG, and an 80A breaker. I don't have a welder out there, but could if I wanted.

It might be possible to detach the existing cable at both ends (and whatever staples exist along the way) and with two people, it may be possible to pull the new cabling through using the old cable.

wait until you have a house fire in the middle of the next storm....talk about a pain.
get your electrician involved

As is I am not concerned about a fire whatsoever. I will try replacing the 15amp breaker first, I don't have an amp probe. At this point I just want to get through Friday as I want to do a couple minor projects. A box in the garage sounds like the best way to go and I'll run it by the electrician.

Run heavier gauge wire for a couple of dedicated outlets or get a nice generator with a 30 amp circuit.

Well I unplugged the freezer because we barley use it anyways and changed the 15amp breaker with a new one. It seemed to be ok today but the real test will be when I get the air compressor, lift, bunch of lights going at the same time. Didn't need the air comp today. Then I'll revisit it again. But a sub panel would be the ticket for sure!

This is good advice.

The breaker is doing what it's supposed to - preventing a circuit overload. Don't override it.

If you need heat, LP or kerosene space heaters work great. There are ventless LP models out now with exceptional heating characteristics, over 99% efficient and little to no danger from fumes. There are ethanol heaters too with similar "no CO" benefit, but it's hard to get a lot of BTUs out of them.

Electric heat is also damn expensive - at least in this area...