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    wallroad's Avatar
    wallroad Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 13, 2012, 07:28 AM
    Mixing wire guages
    I have an outside underground line, #12 type UF, with an outlet in the middle. I'd like to tap into that and run a line about 15 feet to support a pond pump (100watt, 1 amp). I'm out of #12 UF, but have a lot of #14 UF. Is that OK (going on the idea that you can tap off the main line in plumbing with a smaller diameter pipe.)
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Apr 13, 2012, 07:39 AM
    I would trade for Number 12, or get a short piece of 12 so you can keep the 20 amp Breaker, with #14, you would need to place on a 15 amp breaker. If someone later sees #12 in the panel, they may think it could go on a 20 amp breaker?
    wallroad's Avatar
    wallroad Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 13, 2012, 08:41 AM
    Good point, Stratmando. I had forgotten about the breaker. You can't protect a #14 line with a 20 amp breaker. I'll just buy 15 feet of #12 UF.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Apr 13, 2012, 08:58 AM
    Although you have 12 awg now are you certain about the existing breaker, is it 20 amps for sure? Also ,since this is outside and will support a pond pump your breaker or outlet should be a GFCI
    wallroad's Avatar
    wallroad Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 13, 2012, 01:59 PM
    Breaker is 20 amp and includes GFCI.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #6

    Apr 13, 2012, 02:48 PM
    Yep, then you need to stick with 12 awg. Some folks would feel its OK, not me, to drop to 14 awg since your 20 amp plugs will not fit into a 15 amp receptacle but you never know what future folks will think or try.
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