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-   -   Can I connect 12 gauge wire to 10 gauge wire (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=649071)

  • Apr 7, 2012, 07:19 AM
    PAOKE
    Can I connect 12 gauge wire to 10 gauge wire
    I had an existing 30A breaker with 10-3 wire. I capped the red wire on both ends and replaced the 30A breaker with a 20A beaker. At the end of the run (nothing else is tied to this wire/breaker), I want to connect 12-2 wire. Is there anything wrong with doing this? I understand that it is not best practice, but is there anything unsafe or against code
    With this scenario?
  • Apr 7, 2012, 09:35 AM
    hfcarson
    Paoke,
    Acutally you are permitted to connect #12 AWG conductors "and Larger" to a 20 ampere circuit breaker.
    This is done frequently to reduce voltage drop across large distances, so it's not only a permitted practice but a common one, assuming of course the rest of your work is code compliant!
  • Apr 8, 2012, 04:10 AM
    tkrussell
    Yes, you can extend the circuit with #12 wire and protect it with a 20 amp breaker. Be sure to label the #10 wire in the panel to warn that there is #12 wire in the circuit and the max breaker allowed to protect that circuit is 20 amp.

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