I am finishing out a basement area. I am running 12/2 wiring throughout and putting in 20 amp breakers. Is this O.K. The reason I ask is that all the books I have read all show 14/2wiring and 15 amp breakers for lighting situations. On the other hand I can't find anything that indicates that using 12/2 and 20 amp for this application is against any codes or is dangerous, as long as the circuits are not overloaded. Please advise. Thanks

Howie

This is OK but you are spending more money than necessary. Can you explain your logic, did you just already have excess 12-2 wire? Are you installing 15 amp recptacles or 20 amp, they are diofferent?

You can use 12/2 for 15A or 20 A breakers. What you cannot do is use 14 AWG wire on a 20 A breaker.

You can generally use a 15 A receptacle on a 20 A circuit. The 20 A versions cost more.

Thanks for the reply's. They both answered my question. Yes ballengerb1 I did already have enough 12/2 wiring on hand(given to me by a friend who just built a house and had it leftover), so I will be saving money by not having to go buy 14 AWG wiring. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to be breaking any codes or rules. Thanks.

You are good to go. The only issue to watch for most outlets will not let you stab a #12 wire into the back so you will need to use the side screws. If you have not bought the outlets you can get them that will take a #12.

Thanks for the info. I don't use the push in tabs anyway. I always use the side screws. I feel they are safer. Thanks.

Howie, the pros, attach pigtails both the hot and the neutral, so the outlet screws see only one set of wires.