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FLnative · Feb 7, 2010, 12:22 PM

I installed a ceiling fan using #12 Romex (didn't have any #14 handy), any concerns or issues with using #12 vs. #14?

carpenter-t · Feb 7, 2010, 12:36 PM

12 is actually better.

stanfortyman · Feb 7, 2010, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by carpenter-t

12 is actually better.

WHY??
If the circuit is #14 already then #12 is not at all better. It is legal, but is also harder to work with and will fill boxes quicker than #14.

carpenter-t · Feb 7, 2010, 01:53 PM

I guess if he's coming off and existing box with#14 its not.but most of the electricians that I know personally say they use #12 coming of the panel unless money is an issue

FLnative · Feb 7, 2010, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

WHY???
If the circuit is #14 already then #12 is not at all better. It is legal, but is also harder to work with and will fill boxes quicker than #14.

Thanks for the reply. What do you mean by fill the box quicker than with a #14. Are there any concerns or hazards? I have the opportunity to go back and use #14, wanting to know if it makes sense or not.

carpenter-t · Feb 7, 2010, 02:03 PM

I think I will not give advise in this area any more seeing I'm not an electrician and would not want anyone to get hurt or burn down their house.I'll stick to carpentry,gambling,booze and woman.well maybe not woman that could be worse trouble than burning down a house.

carpenter-t · Feb 7, 2010, 02:06 PM

#12 is thicker so its harder to bend and it takes up more room.

stanfortyman · Feb 7, 2010, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by carpenter-t

but most of the electricians that i know personally say they use #12 coming of the panel unless money is an issue

This is a popular mentality. The old "bigger is always better" mentality. I think it is more of a "macho" way of thinking. "Hey, I only use the BIG stuff."
I personally do not subscribe to this.

There are several reasons not to use #12 for many circuits in a house.
- Box fill
- Ease of use with dimmers
- Ease of use with 3-way and 4-way switching
- Ease of use in multi-gang boxes
- Wiring in recessed lighting boxes
- Wiring in bath vent fan boxes

Others will say it is a money thing for using #14 for some circuits. I will say this is rarely the case.

mcad · Feb 7, 2010, 04:28 PM

I agree with Stan, most of the circuits I run these days seem to be 20 amp, so when I get the chance to work with #14 I take it! Although I do know a lot of electricians that just say it is easier to keep only one type of wire on the van. To each his own I guess.

stanfortyman · Feb 7, 2010, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by mcad

Although I do know alot of electricians that just say it is easier to keep only one type of wire on the van.

These are the guys driving a Dodge Caravan or Subaru wagon. :rolleyes:

mcad · Feb 7, 2010, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

These are the guys driving a Dodge Caravan or Subaru wagon. :rolleyes:

Yeah especially here in Pennsylvania where you don't even need a license! Lord help us!

ceilingfanrepair · Feb 10, 2010, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

WHY???
If the circuit is #14 already then #12 is not at all better. It is legal, but is also harder to work with and will fill boxes quicker than #14.

Well, if you ever wanted to upgrade to a 20 amp circuit, you'd already have 12.

stanfortyman · Feb 10, 2010, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

Well, if you ever wanted to upgrade to a 20 amp circuit, you'd already have 12.

Then use a 20A breaker from the start. :cool:
IMO this is not an "upgrade". It is incorrectly installing a breaker that is too small.
Why throw away 5a worth of circuit from the get-go? :confused: