I am purchasing a house and will need to rewire it. I usually do any wiring with 14/2 with ground. However I know you need 12/2 for microwaves and things on a 20 amp breaker.

My question since I have not done a project this large before is can I use 12/2 on the whole house or should I only use that with the kitchen for the small appliances and use 14/2 on the rest of the house?

I did ask a friend that is a licensed electrician and all he will say is it don't matter just make sure that you use the right breaker. I know you can wire a 12/2 with a 15 amp breaker but small appliances need to be on 20 amp.

Is my information right or wrong?

Thank you for the information.

It sounds to me like you really need to read up on wiring a whole house. This is not something for someone with little experience.

You can use #12 for any general use receptacle or lighting. Many things in the house will require 20A circuits, but for me I see no reason to put lighting on a 20A circuit. I also see no reason (other than for super large homes or homes in Canada) to put #12 on a 15A breaker.

Bottom line is IMO just use the wire appropriate for the circuit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stanfortyman

It sounds to me like you really need to read up on wiring a whole house. This is not something for someone with little experience.

You can use #12 for any general use receptacle or lighting. Many things in the house will require 20A circuits, but for me I see no reason to put lighting on a 20A circuit. I also see no reason (other than for super large homes or homes in Canada) to put #12 on a 15A breaker.

Bottom line is IMO just use the wire appropriate for the circuit.

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I have been reading up and have found different answers that is why I am asking here to get expert advice.

Some say #12 on 15A is fine some say not, some say use #12 only where appropriate with a 20A. I have experience just not on this scale. I also did ask a friend that is an electrician but his answer was kind of "ho hum whatever". I want to do this correctly.

Code says many mixed thing and I want to do it right instead of spending money for unneeded things like 20A where 15A will work.

I thank you for the "Bottom line is IMO just use the wire appropriate for the circuit." I guess I just overstated my question.

Actually the electrical code is very specific on the minimums when it comes to the requirements for dwelling branch circuits...

You may use #14 wire and 15 amp breakers for general purpose lighting and receptacle circuits, then use #12 and 20 A CB for those circuits that require 20 amp, such as kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, etc.

Make this simple, use #12 wire and 20 amp breakers for all lighting and receptacle circuits.

Up to you how much money you can save using #14 in place of #12.

Either way, you then need to be sure about what circuits, 15 and 20, and required.

If you are reading the National Electric Code, it is very confusing to laypeople, and you need to be careful, do not assume you understand it and go with something that may be incorrect.

Thank you tkrussell and all the rest. The NEC can be confusing and I have been reading it. I have some electrical experience but just want to make sure that I have my thoughts right before going into the rewiring. I did find a friend that was a Journey man apprentice for electrical that will help me as well. The wiring will be correct through out the house. I assume nothing and that is why I came here to ask the questions I have.

Some people just assume that because you ask a basic question that you know nothing which is often correct but not always. I was just wanting to verify the information I had and find the best course of action for my needs.

Again thank you all that answered.