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    fz76rl's Avatar
    fz76rl Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 3, 2010, 07:17 AM
    Can you use 14 gage wire on 20 amp circuit
    Some lights are being feed off 20amp breaker. Can you use 14 gage wire in this circuit to add 3 way switches?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Jan 3, 2010, 07:19 AM

    No, if you do, you need to change breaker to 15 Amps.
    fz76rl's Avatar
    fz76rl Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jan 3, 2010, 07:22 AM

    Thanks for prompt reply. That's what I thought and planned but just wanted to be sure I had to do that..
    Many thanks again.
    johnmprince's Avatar
    johnmprince Posts: 56, Reputation: 4
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    #4

    Jan 3, 2010, 07:24 AM

    No if you wish to be code compliant. What is the load on the circuit? If a 15 amp breaker will be no problem change the breaker ( $4 ).
    fz76rl's Avatar
    fz76rl Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jan 3, 2010, 08:12 AM
    I need to add another 15amp to break this circuit down into 2. It currently has 6 HO 8' Fluorescents that draw about 13.5 amps. I think that will still be cheaper and allow me to run 14gage 3 way wiring. There are 6 switches in this application. New wire runs to add 3 Way switching will be 40 feet for each of the 6 switches. THanks for your help.
    johnmprince's Avatar
    johnmprince Posts: 56, Reputation: 4
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    #6

    Jan 3, 2010, 10:56 AM

    Each lamp is switched. Are they normally all on? If not there is no reason to split the circuit. Even if they are all on they will not trip a 15 amp breaker as long as there is nothing else on the circuit. It they are all on for more then three hours they are considered a continuous load and to be code compliant the circuit should be split. As a practical matter a 15 amp circuit is okay.
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