Out Of This World 14 Gauge Wire On 20 Amp Circuit
Apparently a 14 gauge wire can carry 20 amps safely but the powers that be say it can only carry 15 amps just as a built in safety measure.
14 gauge wire on 20 amp circuit. Any information on this would be appreciated. 12 2 and on 20 amp breaker tap into it with 14 2 wire to add a switch and new fixture. My gut feeling is still call it out as a safety hazard but technically according to this electrician it s o k.
The code also prohibits. Every lamp fixture and most household appliances run off of 14 ga or smaller wire and they are regularly plugged into 20 amp breakers. Doing a job wiring a finished basement in another city that i haven t wired in b4 so i called the inspector to see about the use of 14 gauge romex the neighboring city strictly forbids 14.
2 points 5 years ago. If it s just one switch leg to ceiling light it s no big deal to change and you definitely should. It seems that if the 14 ga is only feeding a lighting circuit it should be allowed.
169848 10 18 07 05 33 am. Is this up to code or is only 12 2 allowed on the 20 amp breaker. You have to replace any 14 gauge wire on that 20 amp circuit.
Can this 20 amp breaker be downsized to 15 amp to prevent any overheating or is no smaller gauge wire allowed on a 20 amp circuit. Some kind of local ordinance the inspector calls me back and says i can use. Replacing that wire is actually going to cover your ass not theirs.
Building codes based on the national electrical code prohibit the use of 14 gauge wire anywhere on a 20 amp circuit. Andy in atl registered.