View Full Version : Can I use 14 gauge wire on a small part of a 20 amp circuit?
drnewknee
Jul 2, 2009, 05:56 PM
I have a 20 amp circuit on which I would like to branch a light bulb. Does code allow me to use 14 gauge wire to the 60 watt light bulb or must I use 12 gauge?
Thank you.
donf
Jul 2, 2009, 06:26 PM
If you are using a 20 amp OCPD (breaker) then you must use #12 AWG cable.
If you use 14 AWG for any part of the circuit, then you must reduce the breaker to 15 Amps.
Running 20 amp through 14 AWG cable is a violation of code and a nasty fire hazard.
stanfortyman
Jul 2, 2009, 06:26 PM
The whole circuit must stay #12. There is no provision for going smaller to a fixture.
Sorry, the codes are in place for safety's sake.
stanfortyman
Jul 5, 2009, 05:00 PM
Interesting that the light fixture itself uses what looks like 16 gauge wire.
Just for reference, light fixtures, or lumiaires, do not follow the same rules are building wiring. A fixture can have 18ga wire even if attached to a 20A circuit.