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    Sailorman's Avatar
    Sailorman Posts: 33, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 21, 2007, 11:36 AM
    Lengthening electrical wire
    I am renovating our kitchen and knocked a wall out. Around 6 electrical wires in the wall had to be lengthened for re-routing. I joined these in the attc in junction boxes using 14/3 Romex.
    Now I have come to learn that the circuits are 20amp. The original wire was 12/2.
    Should I change this out? A friend seems to think it will be fine. If it's a problem I won't hesitate in changing it out if it's dangerous.
    Thank you for any help.
    peter030205's Avatar
    peter030205 Posts: 56, Reputation: 5
    Junior Member
    		  
    #2

    Dec 21, 2007, 12:09 PM
    Yes, change it. 20amp requires #12 wire.
    Sailorman's Avatar
    Sailorman Posts: 33, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    Dec 21, 2007, 12:15 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by peter030205
    Yes, change it. 20amp requires #12 wire.
    Can this be dangerous?
    peter030205's Avatar
    peter030205 Posts: 56, Reputation: 5
    Junior Member
    		  
    #4

    Dec 21, 2007, 01:23 PM
    Yes, it's a fire hazard. #14 wire is only rated to handle 15 amps, 20 amps can cause the wire and insulation to overheat and subsequently melt.
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