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

    Feb 16, 2011, 09:42 AM
    Electrical breakers
    My electrician ran a new 14g gauge wire to my attic bathroom light, and I notice that it is on a 20amp breaker. Now I want to add a GFI in the bathroom. Can I put a 15amp GFI on that leg before the light switch?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #2

    Feb 16, 2011, 09:45 AM

    We need to start with the bigger issue, you can not use 14 gauge wire on a 20 amp breaker. This gauge is too light and the whole install is wrong and dangerous
    delbrie's Avatar
    delbrie Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Feb 16, 2011, 10:47 AM
    After further investigation that line also feeds wall outlets in 2 bedrooms on the lower level. The wiring is older BX wire that is tied in somewhere but not the panel box. Is it easeir to change the breaker to a 15 amp.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #4

    Feb 16, 2011, 10:57 AM

    Yes the breaker should be switched to a 15 amp if you have 14 gauge anywhere in the circuit. Sounds a bit squirelly so be sure you know what wires do what. You could call 3 lectricians and get bids. Then know more about the problem and whether you still think you can handle it
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #5

    Feb 16, 2011, 11:11 AM

    At first blush it sounds like your electrician needs to get his license pulled.

    He installed a code violation just for you.

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