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    bucktm1000's Avatar
    bucktm1000 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 8, 2008, 05:18 PM
    Electrical circuit in basement
    Hi, I'm finishing my basement and have a light that is already on a separate circuit. The circuit also has at least three additional lights on the circuit. The circuit is wired with 12 gauge wire and it's on a 15 amp breaker. If I want to control that one light with a switch and also add on two outlets, don't I have to upgrade the circuit breaker to a 20 amp breaker and control the light with three wire? I'm actually surprised to find that the 12 gauge wire is running to a 15 amp circuit. Thanks
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Sep 8, 2008, 06:25 PM
    If ALL the wiring on the circuit is #12 there is no reason to limit yourself to a 15A breaker.

    The rest of it you lost me. Can you try to explain a little bit better?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Sep 8, 2008, 06:57 PM
    It all depends on where the wire is now, where you want the switch and outlets.
    I drawn you three lights (presumably on pull chains), a switch and three outlets. Is this what you want to do?
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