II'm going to do some of the wiring for my new house. I plan on using 12/2 for most of the circuits. Even then, if I want to add a switch going to a light fixture should I still use 12/2 or can I mix and use 14/2 going to the llight.
2006-10-23 14:50:15 · 11 answers · asked by Pooch 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
12 AWG is for 20A circuits and 14AWG for 15A circuits. I can't tell what your reason is from your question, but if you want 20A circuits for everything, you CANNOT use 14AWG. If you use 14AWG ANYWHERE on a circuit, it must be 15A. I don't recommend it unless you have a good reason. I mean, if you have the lights on 15A circuit because you want to use 14AWG, just use 14AWG everywhere. There is nothing wrong with 15A circuits, that is very common in residential. But if you think having 20A circuits is better, I'll suggest using 15A circuits and 14AWG wiring for all light fixtures and use 20A circuits and 12AWG wire with receptacles.
To the other answer that thinks 12/2 has no ground: standard for building wire is to not count the ground, and the more proper name for what he is using is 12/2 with ground. Just to confuse things, cords are different (an extension cord would be labeled 12/3 for example).
2006-10-24 01:57:56 · answer #1 · answered by An electrical engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 2 Wiring
2016-10-30 21:19:36 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lighter duty 14-2 is still rated safe for at least 1000 watts or so. For routing to a light, even with, say, ceiling fan ,it oughtta be fine. A 12 amp vacuum cleaner (1500 watts) typically has a 16 guage cord. But wiring to sockets, its wisest to stick with the 12guage, and 10 guage for longer runs that split to supply several outlets. And its pointless to use any heavier ( lower #) wire as you get closer to the load (bulb, motor, etc)
By the way, for wiring to cieling fixtures, its smart to use 14-3, so you can use dimmer switch on light, keeping full power to fan.
Just be careful and don't rush anything. All connections must be tight and secure !
So, the short answer = Yes !
BTW, 12-2 means 3 wires in "romex" cable, ie, it does include a third wire for grounding.
The ideal BEST way is conduit, and pull individual black, white wires through. It's safest, and your local codes might require it.
2006-10-23 15:19:44 · answer #3 · answered by toontootroo@sbcglobal.net 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd go with the 12/2 wire. You never know when you might want to plug in extra appliances or upgrade something. It may be a little harder to work with but will be worth it in the future.
By the way, the ground wire is not counted. 12/2 wire has a ground. So you are actually dealing with 3 wires. White, black and green or bare copper ground wire.
2006-10-23 15:29:03 · answer #4 · answered by Jerry Dee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's a 15 amp circuit, then there's no problem. If it's a 20 amp circuit then you really ought to use 12 gauge wire. The job of the circuit breaker (or fuse) is to protect the wiring. If you use a thinner wire, then the circuit breaker/fuse won't be able to protect it. Now as a practical matter, the closet light is never going to be drawing that many amps. It would only ever be an issue if, someday, someone wanted to extend the circuit from the closet light.
2016-03-18 23:20:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never mix. If the wiring is attached to a 20 amp circuit, use 12/2. If it is attached to a 15 amp circuit, use 14/2. You'll find the14/2 a little easier to work with as it is a lighter gauge.
2006-10-23 15:01:08 · answer #6 · answered by szydkids 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you use 14/2 coming off of a 12/2 power circuit then you have to put the 15 amp breaker in. Otherwise if it overloads the smaller wire it will fry it. If I was you I would just not mix stuff. 15 amp is fine and is cheaper but you will probably have a couple more circuits that way.
2006-10-23 16:16:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Isn't 12/2 missing the ground conductor ? Lighter gauge (14) is for less amperage, how many amps will the fixture draw ? When in comes to the trades, the 2 that only professionals should do are electrical and gas lines. (And your ? screams that you are NOT familiar with electricity) Really, the lack of knowledge can easily result in the home burning down or killing someone. If you must scrimp, I would recommend you do something WITHOUT life and death consequences. (I have seen too many DIY jobs by the unqualified, and when I bought my house, the seller had to make costly changes to correct his DIY & make it code compliant). And PLEASE, make sure all runs have the grounding wire. thank-you
2006-10-23 15:08:02 · answer #8 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out your local building code before you buy any spools of wire; you might find out that you need to have grounded circuits all over...
2006-10-23 14:54:55 · answer #9 · answered by circle_sabine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would check out your local requirement's from the local inspector.....
2006-10-23 14:51:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋