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    1Kendal's Avatar
    1Kendal Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Mar 25, 2009, 05:03 AM
    12/2 and 14/2 on 20 amp circuits
    Hello,
    I am helping my brother clean up and run a couple of new legs in his house, and I have encountered an interesting twist. The home runs are all 12/2 wire, but after the first connection, it usually will drop down to 14/2. All of the breakers are 20 amp in the sub panels. This house has clearly been this way since it was built in the late 80's. I thought the breaker could be no larger than the smallest wire in the chain. What's up? Thanks in advance
    Kendal
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Mar 25, 2009, 05:12 AM

    You are correct, should be on a 15 Amp Breaker.
    ohb0b's Avatar
    ohb0b Posts: 215, Reputation: 14
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    #3

    Apr 13, 2009, 03:21 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Stratmando View Post
    You are correct, should be on a 15 Amp Breaker.
    Looks like someone pulled a fast one on the electrical inspector!

    I'm a commercial electrician, and don't do too much Romex work, but the last house I wired the 14-2 Romec had a blue jacket, the 12-2 was yellow, and the 10 was red.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #4

    Apr 14, 2009, 03:12 PM

    If 14-2 is used for travellers, that circuit will be limited by a 15 Amp Breaker.
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