onan 5500 generator. 20 amp breaker.

[tdpasoca]

I have a 5500 onan generator in my Bighorn. 20amp breaker pops after plugging in my phone charger. I have read that I could replace it with a 30amp breaker. Any advice would be appreciated. where is the best place to buy a breaker?

 

[danemayer]

HI tdpascosa,

First, I assume you're talking about the breaker on the front of the generator. You may have to contact Onan to verify, but it's likely one of these. You may need the model #, serial #, and spec level of the generator.

Second, if the problem you're trying to solve is that you're running multiple A/C units, or some other loads that use the entire capability of the generator, such that plugging in a very low power phone charger trips the breaker, the answer may depend on what you're running, as much as whether you change to a 30 amp breaker.

An Onan 5500 generator supplies a maximum of 5500 watts. Yes you can have two 30 amp breakers, but that doesn't mean you can pull 3,600 watts (30 amps @ 120V) on each breaker for a total of 7,200 watts.

And if you're tripping the breaker without putting much of a load on the circuit, something else is wrong.

 

[tdpasoca]

I have a 5500 onan generator in my Bighorn. 20amp breaker pops after plugging in my phone charger. I have read that I could replace it with a 30amp breaker. Any advice would be appreciated. where is the best place to buy a breaker?

I think the problem could be that while I was running the generator, I switched the water heater to 120v. Lessened learned, while dry camping, use propane to heat the water. I started the generator without turning on the water heater. the breaker did not pop. thank you for responding and giving good advice.

 

[jimcat]

My 20 amp breaker appears to be white? Is this correct? If so, it will not stay on.. I can flip it over and it flips right back, So, we only had a little electric in the trailer today

 

[david-steph2018]

Mine is black. When I had this issue the transfer switch was going bad. Once I replaced the transfer switch it has worked.

Currently on generator power at the Thousand Trails Park in Palm Springs. Electrical issues in the park and they do not know when it will be fixed. Been on generator, off & on, since Wednesday afternoon. I have burned 15 gals. of fuel, rumor from the park, it will be fixed for next season, not the rest of this year, since the park closes in under a month.

 

[jleavitt11]

My 20 amp breaker appears to be white? Is this correct? If so, it will not stay on.. I can flip it over and it flips right back, So, we only had a little electric in the trailer today
View attachment 66953

I had problems with one of my breakers. I just purchased a new one on Amazon and installed it. It solved the problem and they are quite easy to replace.

 

[jerryjay11]

Since this original post is better than 2 yrs. old, I am posting for those that may be considering replacing a 20 amp with a 30 amp circuit breaker. This would be okay only if you know the internal wiring of the generator is rated for 30 amps. If so then I would think a 30 amp breaker would have been installed by the manufacturer. Doing so without this knowledge is much like my father replacing his 15 amp, screw-in fuse with a penny. Not such a good idea.
What I have found from many years in the HVAC and appliance repair that circuit breakers can become weak and trip below the rated amperage. And as jleavitt11 as stated, replacing the defective circuit breaker resolved the issue. Be safe and not sorry.

 

[jimcat]

I had problems with one of my breakers. I just purchased a new one on Amazon and installed it. It solved the problem and they are quite easy to replace.

How easy?

 

[jimcat]

I had problems with one of my breakers. I just purchased a new one on Amazon and installed it. It solved the problem and they are quite easy to replace.

Trying to find a 20 amp breaker now... what part number is it on amazon?