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Compatabilities between awg wiring, breaker amp size, outlet amp size

Asked Apr 11, 2007, 08:49 AM — 4 Answers
Hi. Is there a resource out there, prefereably on the web, that outlines the compatabilities between awg wiring, the breaker amp size, outlet amp size, how many recepticles/outlets can be on x amp outlet, etc?

For example, it would be nice to see something that shows: you can use a 20 amp breaker with 12/2 wire on 15 amp or 20 amp outlets (if this is accurate, not sure); but you can't use 20 amp breaker with 14/2 wire.

Or another example...on a 15 amp circuit, with 14/2 wire you can use x outlets and x lights without overloading the circuit. Same for a 20 amp circuit.

Or, what size amp outlets can you use on different amp (15 or 20) cicuits?

It would be nice to be able to find all of this type of info without having to find/buy a code book that would probably be information overload. Appreciate your help.

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4 Answers
labman's Avatar
labman Posts: 10,673, Reputation: 3050
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#2

Apr 11, 2007, 09:45 AM
There is a link to the NEC in the sticky at the top of the E&L forum, [url=http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70]NFPA 70: National Electrical Code
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ballengerb1's Avatar
ballengerb1 Posts: 25,641, Reputation: 11296
Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
  
#3

Apr 11, 2007, 09:58 AM
Visit his site, probably more than you wanted http://www.geocities.com/dtmcbride/h...rden/wire.html
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helpinghand's Avatar
helpinghand Posts: 33, Reputation: 1
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#4

Apr 11, 2007, 11:04 AM
[quote=labman]There is a link to the NEC in the sticky at the top of the E&L forum, [url=http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=70]NFPA 70: National Electrical Code
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tkrussell's Avatar
tkrussell Posts: 9,673, Reputation: 3698
Senior Electrical & Lighting Expert
  
#5

Apr 12, 2007, 02:53 AM


Once you click on this link,
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®

Click on Preview this document near the bottom of the page.
Next page click on I agree,
Next page click on Open NEC 2005.

This will give you complete access to the entire NEC 2005 code book. However, this is definitely not for the light hearted and can make you run screaming into the night. It takes several years of apprenticeship for electricians to learn their way around this book.

This book is not for the DIYer to try to understand, and there is no chart your seeking to learn the amps per wire, device, circuit breaker, as there are so many variables and situations.

Your right, this will be information overload.

Your best bet may be a Basic Wiring book.

Or ask some specific questions here to learn what you need, based on your specific situation.
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