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

    Sep 22, 2010, 07:02 AM
    Can I run 14 gauge wire off a 16 gauge wire?
    I'm trying to hook up a light fixture in a garage. The existing fixture is connected with 16 gauge and I'm trying to run 14 to another fixture. Is that safe?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
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    #2

    Sep 22, 2010, 07:06 AM

    Yes, the conductors being used by the fixture are designed for the current draw of the light.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #3

    Sep 22, 2010, 09:14 AM
    Before I say yes, I need to know exactly where is the #16 coming from.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Sep 22, 2010, 11:09 AM

    I agree. You should not have ANY #16 house wiring. I don't even think it exists.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
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    #5

    Sep 22, 2010, 11:45 AM

    Well am I guilty of misreading the OP?

    The statement, "existing fixture is connected with 16 gauge and I'm trying to run 14 to another fixture."

    Clearly positioned the #16 as part of the fixture and the #14 going to another fixture.

    Did I miss something?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #6

    Sep 22, 2010, 12:01 PM

    I am not sure. The OP is very vague.

    Is the fixture #16? Or something else?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #7

    Sep 22, 2010, 01:54 PM
    If the building wire is #16, that is wrong.

    If the building wiring to the next fixture is connected to #16 in the fixture, which is part of that fixture, that is wrong.

    The #14 wire from the new fixture must connect to a minimum of #14 feeding the existing fixture.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #8

    Sep 23, 2010, 06:25 AM

    If the building was inspected, then if they used #16 shouldn't that have been discovered at the rough in inspection?

    Unless, of course, the poster built the building by himself and used the wrong sized cable.
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