In the USA, I am replacing a 4x 30amp tankless water heater on double pole circuit breakers with one that is 1x 60 amps. Can I reuse 2x 30amp double pole circuits and wire them both to the L1-L2 terminals in the heater? I want to avoid pulling new #6 wire that the 60amp DB-CB requires.
Wiring – can i wire 2x 30amp double pole circuits to a 60 amp device
wiring
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Best Answer
No you cannot do that. The circuit breaker is there primarily to protect the conductors from overload. So any conductors connected to your 60A breaker must be conductors rated for 60A even if the load it serves is less than 60A.
So even though your intent to parallel up two conductors rated for 30A each seems like it would work you do not want to play games with safety. One of the paralleled conductors could become disconnected or damaged leaving the other conductor to have to bear the brunt of the load which would overrate it and potentially cause overheating, melting of insulation or even fire.