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View Full Version : Safe to use 2 different wire sizes on receptacle?


454Malibu
Oct 17, 2009, 09:51 AM
I have a #10-2 wire running to my garage for the overhead light. All that is on this line is the overhead. I want to remove the light that is there now and replace with several T8 tubes that have cords. At the line in (old light fixture) I want to install a 15a receptical and then to 2 more recepticles. My ? Is, is it safe to tie one side of 1st. Receptacle to #10-2 and the other side to #12-2 and then to 2nd and 3rd repticle?
Thanks for any help
John

Stratmando
Oct 17, 2009, 10:06 AM
10's is overkill, Good to reduce Voltage drop, with #12, it needs to be on a 20 Amp circuit.
You could have a Quad recepticle/box in the center and plug 4 fixtures into their. Another quad if more lights are desired.

454Malibu
Oct 17, 2009, 11:54 AM
Thanks. The only wire I can access is the one from the switch to the light. The garage is attached and has an open ceilng. Exposed joists. The switch is in the wall and the wire just comes out through a hole in the top stud plate. If I could feed a 12-2 back to the switch, could I come off it and tie the neutral 10-2 and 12-2 together? The switch now is 15a so I thought I should use 15a receptcles. Should they be 20? The switch too?
http://www.454malibu.com/ElectricPic.jpg

Stratmando
Oct 17, 2009, 01:05 PM
That looks fine.
You Can use 15 Amp Recepticles and switches, and still have this on a 20 Amp Breaker, with your Number 12 wires.

454Malibu
Oct 17, 2009, 02:29 PM
Thanks bud!