Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help!
Answer   ||    Advanced Search

Ask your question or search...
International Sites: Nederlandse experts vragen
User Name 
Password 
Join   Forgot password? 

Home > Home & Garden > Electrical & Lighting   »   12 gage wire on a 15 amp switch

Question
 
 
#1  
Old Nov 21, 2007, 03:45 AM
RR1515
New Member
RR1515 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2
RR1515 See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.
12 gage wire on a 15 amp switch

If you can use 15 amp receptacles and switches on a 20 amp circuit, then why won't they accept (quick connect) 12 gage wiring?

Reply With Quote
 
     

Answers
 
 
Old Nov 21, 2007, 05:10 AM   #2  
Senior Electrical & Lighting Expert
tkrussell is offline
 
tkrussell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,824
tkrussell See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.tkrussell See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.tkrussell See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.tkrussell See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.tkrussell See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.tkrussell See this member's comment history on his/her Profile page.
Please do not use the "quick connect" method of wiring devices, even if the wire does fit.

I have made good money repairing the problems caused by loose connections that these push in connections cause.

15 amp receptacles are allowed on a 20 amp circuit, the blade openings only allow a 15 amp plug to be inserted, thus limiting the load to 15 amps.

A 15 amp switch is designed for a 15 amp circuit, so the openings are only made to allow #14 wire to be inserted. Switches are a different story, need to be careful using 15 amp switches on a20 amp circuit, It is allowed, but need to be sure the load the switch controls is 15 amps or less.


Always use the screw terminals to connect any device.
  Reply With Quote
 
     

Your Answer
Email me when someone replies to my answer
Join Login



Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes
Ask your question or search...



Similar Threads
wire service, wire gauge 100 amp
(1 replies)
Fan Switch (5-8 wire)
(3 replies)
new 4 wire pull switch
(1 replies)
How do I wire 3 Lights off of 1 Switch
(1 replies)
3-way switch with 2-wire cable
(4 replies)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Show Printable Version
Email this Page Email this Page
Search this Thread

Advanced Search

Bookmarks





Copyright ©2003 - 2009, Ask Me Help Desk.
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:30 AM.