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-   -   Adding 14/2 to 12/2 (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=622865)

  • Dec 28, 2011, 08:12 AM
    roadie66
    Adding 14/2 to 12/2
    I'm running a 12/2 wire from the box to a 20amp GFCI. I'm pig tailing another 12/2 to another 20amp GFCI in order to have two GFCI plugs in a new bath. I now want to add a 14/2 wire to a new exhaust fan. The 14/2 would come off the load side of the GFCI to the fan which is over a shower. It's rated for wet location as long as it's connected to a GFCI. The second GFCI would be the one protecting the fan. Is this OK and what amp breaker would I use in the box.

    Shipbdan
  • Dec 28, 2011, 09:48 AM
    donf
    Hold on there, please.

    If you introduce a 14 AWG cable into this environment, the entire circuit would have to be reduced to a max load of 12 amps.

    This violates several electrical codes.

    The receptacles must be on a 20 amp circuit.
  • Dec 28, 2011, 10:58 AM
    roadie66
    Thanks for your reply: Should I change the GFCI, wire and fuse to 15amps or continue to run 12 AWG to the switch of the fan that controls the lights? Do I even need a 20amp circuit here?
  • Dec 28, 2011, 02:01 PM
    stanfortyman
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by donf View Post
    If you introduce a 14 AWG cable into this enviroment, the entire circuit would have to be reduced to a max load of 12 amps.

    Not true. The circuit would have to be reduced to a 15A breaker, which is a waste of 5 amps for the sake of one piece of #14.
    A 15A circuit can have a max load of 15A.


    Quote:

    Originally Posted by donf View Post
    This violates several electrical codes.

    True.


    Quote:

    Originally Posted by donf View Post
    The receptacles must be on a 20 amp circuit.

    True
  • Dec 28, 2011, 02:02 PM
    stanfortyman
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by roadie66 View Post
    Thanks for your reply: Should I change the GFCI, wire and fuse to 15amps or continue to run 12 AWG to the switch of the fan that controls the lights? Do I even need a 20amp circuit here?

    Continue to run #12. DO NOT reduce wire size in a circuit.
  • Dec 28, 2011, 07:18 PM
    donf
    "Originally Posted by donf:

    If you introduce a 14 AWG cable into this enviroment, the entire circuit would have to be reduced to a max load of 12 amps.

    "Not true. The circuit would have to be reduced to a 15A breaker, which is a waste of 5 amps for the sake of one piece of #14. A 15A circuit can have a max load of 15A."

    I'm sorry, did I misapply NEC 210.21(B) and Table (210.21(B)(2)?

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