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    DJRussell's Avatar
    DJRussell Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 6, 2009, 04:36 PM
    20A 12 ga bath circuit to 14 ga for light and fan?
    Hi,
    I have rewired my bath to a dedicated 20A 12ga line. Power goes to a 20A GFCI outlet. Can I run 14 ga from the GFCI to a 20A 3-way light switch and a separate 14 ga to a 20A exhaust fan switch? Both will be pigtailed off the GFCI.
    Thanks a million!
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jan 6, 2009, 04:51 PM

    Absolutely not! 14 AWG is rated for 15 amp only, not 20 amp.

    If you mix 14 AWG conductors, by NEC code you are limited to 15 amp. You are required to use a 15 Amp breaker.

    You would be much better off using only 12 AWG conductors which are rated at 20 amp.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 6, 2009, 05:36 PM
    And if this is a newly rewired bathroom the receptacle circuit must be on a 20A circuit.

    Just use all #12 and you are fine.
    bolt in blue's Avatar
    bolt in blue Posts: 68, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
    		  
    #4

    Jan 6, 2009, 05:49 PM
    Keep in mind that the code today requires bathrooms to be on 20 amp circuits. You're going to want to use all 12 gauge cable and keep the 20 amp breaker.

    Oops! Didn't mean to duplicate the above response! Left this question open a little too long before saving.
    DJRussell's Avatar
    DJRussell Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jan 7, 2009, 05:49 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by donf View Post
    Absolutely not! 14 AWG is rated for 15 amp only, not 20 amp.

    If you mix 14 AWG conductors, by NEC code you are limited to 15 amp. You are required to use a 15 Amp breaker.

    You would be much better off using only 12 AWG conductors which are rated at 20 amp.
    Thank you very much for your time and guidance. I knew that ding-dong at work was wrong. Thanks again very much.
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