Connecting 15 Amp Washer to 20 Amp Breaker Wired with 12-2

I am hooking up a washer that is rated as a 15amp. appliance. The outlet I am plugging it into is pre-wired with 12-2 gauge wire and has a 20 amp. circuit breaker. Will this cause problems (too big a breaker for the appliance, not trip when it is supposed to, etc.)? Or, can I switch the 20 breaker to a 15 breaker and leave the 12-2 cable as is?

Thank you!

By betterbilt from FL

Answers: Connecting 15 Amp Washer to 20 Amp Breaker Wired with 12-2

Read answers for this question below.

By 06/09/2010

Hi Lorelei,
Thank you for the response. Electrician?
Also, this is a dedicated circuit, (nothing else on circuit except washer). With it all ok being 12-2 cable and a 20 amp breaker would it be best to go with a 110v outlet or the next size up in voltage outlet? Even better a GFCI outlet with the the drain and the supply H/C both being within 10" of outlet?

By 06/09/2010

No, it doesn't hurt to use your washer hooked up to the 12-2 wire. You want a large breaker for any appliance so it doesn't kick your washer off.

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