NEW CONSTRUCTION
2006-09-09 05:18:19 · 11 answers · asked by john b 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
How can there be so many blatantly wrong answers.
The answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT! The NEC (National electrical code) does NOT allow this. If you have a 20 amp circuit, you can not use any 14 AWG wire anywhere (fixture wire is a special case, typically 18 AWG). And the ground on a 20 A circuit must also be at least a 12 AWG, not 14.
If you don't want to use 12 AWG wire for the light, put it on a 15A circuit.
2006-09-11 03:32:57 · answer #1 · answered by An electrical engineer 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the switch. If the switch is rated for 20 amps, you can do it. If the switch is rated at 15 amps, no you can't. The #12 wire is rated for 20 amps and that is the max it will go to. Anything over that, the breaker will trip. You will have no problem hooking it up like this. I hope this helps you.. Good luck! Also, if you know that the circuit will not top at 15 amps, you will be okay.
2006-09-09 12:25:56 · answer #2 · answered by Wolfchevy3 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You could but that would defeat the purpose of having it on a 20 amp ciruit breaker. #14 awg is only rated for 15 amps. I would run #12 awg from the switch to the light. I know its more exspensive to do this but it would be the professional way to do it.
2006-09-09 12:24:33 · answer #3 · answered by gruntlicker 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should be able to, from the switch to the light only, so long as you only have one light on the circuit. You can put more than one light on the switch with #14. It is rated for 15 amps, so do not overload the switch.
Formula====wattage of light bulbs \ 120VAC = amp load
Example 2 100 watt bulbls = 200 watts \ 120VAC = 1.66 amps
2006-09-09 12:45:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Almost all the lights are done with #14 now.
I would for a light if you have #14 if you have #12 use it if you have #14 use it. I would never take off from a #14 with a #12 . think of electricity as water through a pipe.
I use #12 for all outlets ,because you never know what will be plugged in, but a light doesn't draw much.
I have come out of outlets for lights with #14 just as you described , no worries.
2006-09-09 12:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
You could, but for the 10 cents you save just buy the right wire
2006-09-12 17:38:54 · answer #6 · answered by Lauren 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't recomend it. It just makes sense to do it all 12. So your better protected. You can use #14 for the ground wire.
2006-09-09 12:21:56 · answer #7 · answered by maverick 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Agree, I wouldn't recommend it either. What's the motivation for changing wire gauge anyway?
2006-09-09 12:24:07 · answer #8 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
by the law, no.....if the 12 wire is the homerun.....
lic. gen. contractor
2006-09-09 12:25:43 · answer #9 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes
2006-09-12 10:58:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋