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    gen69's Avatar
    gen69 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jan 5, 2011, 08:55 AM
    What gauge wire is good for can lighting, track and wall sconces?
    Just wanted to know if 12 gauge or 14 is good for all the lighting that I will install in a home. I know that according to code 12/2 is needed for gfci, bathroom, and kithchen use. What about lighting in a residential home?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #2

    Jan 5, 2011, 09:37 AM

    You need to determine the "Load" for each circuit before you run wire.

    Most general lighting loads are on a 15 amp circuit (#14 AWG copper). However, you can also use a 20 amp circuit (#12 AWG copper)
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #3

    Jan 5, 2011, 10:14 AM

    What code are you quoting here "I know that according to code 12/2 is needed for gfci, bathroom, and kithchen use" Load determines the breaker and the breaker determines the wire. Don is correct.
    Handyman2007's Avatar
    Handyman2007 Posts: 988, Reputation: 73
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    #4

    Jan 31, 2011, 07:25 AM
    Residential lighting requires 14ga as a minimum.
    Handyman2007's Avatar
    Handyman2007 Posts: 988, Reputation: 73
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    #5

    Jan 31, 2011, 07:27 AM
    Comment on ballengerb1's post
    All bathroom and kitchen GFCI requires a dedicated 20 amp line. As do a refrigerator and other appliances in a kitchen.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #6

    Jan 31, 2011, 02:24 PM

    Some bathroom set-up need more than one 20 amp circuit. I.E. a fan/heater/light needs its own 20 amp separate from the other lights and receptacles.
    Handyman2007's Avatar
    Handyman2007 Posts: 988, Reputation: 73
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    #7

    Jan 31, 2011, 04:14 PM
    The OP specifically asks about LIGHTING.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #8

    Jan 31, 2011, 04:24 PM

    I entirely undertsand, his question was "What about lighting in a residential home" However as we ansered him the discussion started to include receptacles and applainces. I did not want any reader of this thread to walk away thinking a single dedicated line in a bathroom was always going to be the case. The fixture I mentioned in post #6 has a light and requires its own dedicated 20 amp circuit. The OP has not been here for over 3 weeks so it may be a mute point to make.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #9

    Jan 31, 2011, 08:16 PM

    Just a point of clarification, a refrigerator on a dedicated or independent circuit does not require GFCI protection.

    It does require adequate amperage and the appropriate circuit sizing.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #10

    Jan 31, 2011, 08:23 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Handyman2007 View Post
    As do a refrigerator and other appliances in a kitchen.
    Not at all true. A refer specifically can be placed on a dedicated 15A circuit, as can other appliances.

    Besides, the OP asked about lighting,. four weeks ago. :D

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