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Connecting 14 gauge wire and 12 gauge wires in the same blue box.

Asked Dec 16, 2007, 10:26 PM — 2 Answers
I am wiring my basement. All the outlets are running off 2 independent 20 amp circuit breakers connected to each other by 12/2 wire.

I wanted to run some stubs off of my 12/2 outlets. All each stub would do is run to a small light (max 180 watts) and of course a light switch. Since I ran out of 12/2, is it crazy to run the wire to the light and the light switch using 14/2 gauge wire?

This means that the short stub of 14/2 shares the same 20 amp breaker as the 12/2 circuit.

Is this safe? Is it code?

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tkrussell's Avatar
tkrussell Posts: 9,673, Reputation: 3698
Senior Electrical & Lighting Expert
  
#2

Dec 17, 2007, 04:11 AM


No, what you propose is not allowed, nor safe.
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Cobraguy's Avatar
Cobraguy Posts: 140, Reputation: 50
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#3

Dec 17, 2007, 08:53 AM
You would then have # 14 cables protected with a 20A breaker. Won't fly and as tk said, is very unsafe. You would have to install a 15A breaker and that may not meet code either depending on the circuits. Plus, it's not considered good workmanship.
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