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    zmassive's Avatar
    zmassive Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 17, 2014, 02:44 AM
    Can I use different sized conductors in a lighting circuit?
    Can different sized conductors be used in a lighting circuit, such as 12/2 from panel to first switch box and 14/2 to the individual lights?
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #2

    Jan 17, 2014, 06:18 AM
    the conductor size needs to correspond to the size of the overcurrent protection device...
    i.e. if you have a 15 ampere circuit breaker = 14 AWG
    if you have a 20 ampere circuit breaker = 12 AWG
    There is a table in the electrical code that provides this information...
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 17, 2014, 10:13 AM
    To say it more simply, yes but why would you want to do that? The largest breaker you could use would be 15 amp.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jan 17, 2014, 05:01 PM
    To say it more simply, yes but why would you want to do that? The largest breaker you could use would be 15 amp.
    This is your answer. You can, but why would you??
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #5

    Jan 17, 2014, 07:02 PM
    While this is mostly used on CATV and low voltage applications, some people use a larger wire to get to the first outlet IF it is a long way to the outlet. Called a home run. This does protect from voltage drop. You must, however, use a breaker for the smallest line. So, if you start with a 12AWG and then to 14AWG, you would need a 15 Amp breaker. I have only seen it done when the first outlet was greater than 25 ft. away from the breaker box.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #6

    Jan 18, 2014, 06:45 AM
    While this is mostly used on CATV and low voltage applications, some people use a larger wire to get to the first outlet IF it is a long way to the outlet. Called a home run. This does protect from voltage drop. You must, however, use a breaker for the smallest line. So, if you start with a 12AWG and then to 14AWG, you would need a 15 Amp breaker. I have only seen it done when the first outlet was greater than 25 ft. away from the breaker box.
    Just a quick comment. This becomes more important when the distance reaches more like 100'.
    In pretty any average home voltage drop is not even worth thinking about. And in larger homes standard practice is to place sub-panels in strategic locations so typically branch circuit VD is not an issue either.
    I was in a 15,000 square foot home yesterday and it had a 600A service with three main panels and five sub-panels.
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