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Howie628 · Mar 4, 2009, 03:25 PM

I am finishing out a basement area. I am running 12/2 wiring throughout and putting in 20 amp breakers. Is this O.K. The reason I ask is that all the books I have read all show 14/2wiring and 15 amp breakers for lighting situations. On the other hand I can't find anything that indicates that using 12/2 and 20 amp for this application is against any codes or is dangerous, as long as the circuits are not overloaded. Please advise. Thanks

Howie

ballengerb1 · Mar 5, 2009, 09:36 AM

This is OK but you are spending more money than necessary. Can you explain your logic, did you just already have excess 12-2 wire? Are you installing 15 amp recptacles or 20 amp, they are diofferent?

KISS · Mar 5, 2009, 10:03 AM

You can use 12/2 for 15A or 20 A breakers. What you cannot do is use 14 AWG wire on a 20 A breaker.

You can generally use a 15 A receptacle on a 20 A circuit. The 20 A versions cost more.

Howie628 · Mar 5, 2009, 02:02 PM

Thanks for the reply's. They both answered my question. Yes ballengerb1 I did already have enough 12/2 wiring on hand(given to me by a friend who just built a house and had it leftover), so I will be saving money by not having to go buy 14 AWG wiring. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to be breaking any codes or rules. Thanks.

ballengerb1 · Mar 5, 2009, 02:53 PM

You are good to go. The only issue to watch for most outlets will not let you stab a #12 wire into the back so you will need to use the side screws. If you have not bought the outlets you can get them that will take a #12.

Howie628 · Mar 5, 2009, 05:40 PM

Thanks for the info. I don't use the push in tabs anyway. I always use the side screws. I feel they are safer. Thanks.

KISS · Mar 5, 2009, 05:58 PM

Howie, the pros, attach pigtails both the hot and the neutral, so the outlet screws see only one set of wires.