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helpinghand · Apr 11, 2007, 08:49 AM

Hi. Is there a resource out there, prefereably on the web, that outlines the compatibilities between awg wiring, the breaker amp size, outlet amp size, how many recepticles/outlets can be on x amp outlet, etc?

For example, it would be nice to see something that shows: you can use a 20 amp breaker with 12/2 wire on 15 amp or 20 amp outlets (if this is accurate, not sure); but you can't use 20 amp breaker with 14/2 wire.

Or another example... on a 15 amp circuit, with 14/2 wire you can use x outlets and x lights without overloading the circuit. Same for a 20 amp circuit.

Or, what size amp outlets can you use on different amp (15 or 20) cicuits?

It would be nice to be able to find all of this type of info without having to find/buy a code book that would probably be information overload. Appreciate your help.

labman · Apr 11, 2007, 09:45 AM

There is a link to the NEC in the sticky at the top of the E&L forum, NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®

Check the amp rating of the wire and select breakers and outlets to match.

ballengerb1 · Apr 11, 2007, 09:58 AM

Visit his site, probably more than you wanted http://www.geocities.com/dtmcbride/h...rden/wire.html

helpinghand · Apr 11, 2007, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by labman

There is a link to the NEC in the sticky at the top of the E&L forum, NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®

I saw this link in the E&L forum but it only links you to the NEC book. You can't view anything in the book or any of the NEC code unless I'm missing something? Any other ideas?

tkrussell · Apr 12, 2007, 02:53 AM

Once you click on this link,
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®

Click on Preview this document near the bottom of the page.
Next page click on I agree,
Next page click on Open NEC 2005.

This will give you complete access to the entire NEC 2005 code book. However, this is definitely not for the light hearted and can make you run screaming into the night. It takes several years of apprenticeship for electricians to learn their way around this book.

This book is not for the DIYer to try to understand, and there is no chart your seeking to learn the amps per wire, device, circuit breaker, as there are so many variables and situations.

Your right, this will be information overload.

Your best bet may be a Basic Wiring book.

Or ask some specific questions here to learn what you need, based on your specific situation.