maybe its not ideal, but is it doable? what would the downside be?
2007-08-27 03:04:49 · 15 answers · asked by oneakmusic 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
as the main wiring on a 20 amp circuit , no it`s not allowed, although you can use it as a "branch" off of the main circuit for one receptacle only
2007-08-27 04:49:18 · answer #1 · answered by bill9458 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
#14 thw wire has an ampacity of 20 amps. #14 thhn wire has an ampacity of 25 amps. That is for not more than 3 current carrying wires in a cable or conduit. 310.16. So it will not burn your house down. But the national electric code limits the overcurrent devise on #14 wire to 15 amps, 240.4 (d), unless otherwise allowed in other sections of the code, 240.4 (e) and (g). So, it depends what you are wiring up. Pretty complicated stuff isn't it? That's why joe handyman shouldn't do electrical work or answer electrical questions on yahoo. :) Sorry guys, I couldn't resist.
2007-08-27 11:11:46 · answer #2 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
20 amps requires 12/2 Don't use undersized wire. The down side is a possible fire. Call a licensed electrician.
240.4(D) Small Conductors. "Unless specifically permitted in 240.4(E) through (G), the overcurrent protection shall not exceed 15 amperes for 14 AWG, 20 amperes for 12 AWG, and 30 amperes for 10 AWG copper; or 15 amperes for 12 AWG and 25 amperes for 10 AWG aluminum and copper-clad aluminum after any correction factors for ambient temperature and number of conductors have been applied."
National fire statistics claim a fire caused by using under sized wire is rare on a circuit protected with a breaker. I stand corrected,but the code is clear on wire gauge.
2007-08-27 05:27:57 · answer #3 · answered by petethen2 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The downside is that the electrical code prohibits the use of size 14 wire which can not carry that current without over heating (15 amp max on #14). If you use it and the inspector fails to detect it (unlikely that he will miss it and not make you rip it out) then if you have a fire your insurance company will not pay your claim.
2007-08-27 04:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If is wired by 14/2 change breaker to 15 amp but if is breaker 20 amp and you want rewiring you should use 12/2 gage wire as standard wiring code.
2007-08-27 04:38:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
14/2 is rated at 15 amps 12/2 is rated at 20 amps the down side of using 14/2 on a 20 amp circuit is overheating and a possibility of fire you should also have a ground wire.
2007-08-27 04:02:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Check with an electrician, who is up to date with the current electrical codes. Personally, I think 14 gauge can handle 20 amps easily.
2007-08-27 03:09:42 · answer #7 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
14 gauge is for 15 amps.
12 gauge is for 20 amps.
National Electrical Code.
Downside is overheating of cable and possible fire. Insurance inspector finding it was the source of the fire. No check from insurance company.
2007-08-27 05:27:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
don't do it... a 20 amp breaker won't flip under heavy usage... so if you ever have enough appliences on that line to draw more than 15 amps, the wires will get very hot becasue 14 gauge is too thin.... excessive heat causes the plastic to burn off and after some time the plastic can melt off and bare wires will touch causeing fire.
the proper 12 gadge wire stays cooler so the plastic will never burn off
2007-08-27 04:12:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
!4/2 is rated for 15 amps. The down side is it has the capability of burning up when overloaded.
2007-08-27 03:10:16 · answer #10 · answered by mlk682 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋