View Full Version : Wiring Gage Importance
electromack
May 10, 2009, 12:52 PM
Does Wire Gage have that much importance when going from the line source of 14 gage, to the load source at 12 gage.
Perito
May 10, 2009, 12:59 PM
Under the National Electric Code, the wire size determines the maximum current-carrying capacity of the circuit. 12-gauge wire in households is normally allowed to carry up to 20 amps. 14-gauge wire under similar conditions is normally allowed to carry only 15 amps.
Wire always has a resistance. As current passes through the wire, some power is dissipated as heat I^2R=Power\,lost. This is accompanied by a loss of voltage. If you have very long runs of 14-gauge wire, the voltage drop will be greater than the same run of 12-gauge wire.
stanfortyman
May 10, 2009, 03:51 PM
Does Wire Gage have that much importance when going from the line source of 14 gage, to the load source at 12 gage.
To be honest I have no idea what you are actually asking, but YES, wire gauge does matter.
The circuit must be fused/breakered for the smallest wire in the circuit. So mixing wire sizes makes absolutely no sense. In some cases it would create a violation, such as a kitchen receptacle circuit that is required to be a 20A circuit.