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    kinnigett's Avatar
    kinnigett Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 21, 2009, 08:10 AM
    Can you run 14AWG wires off a 12AWG line?
    I just bought a new house and was repairing a broken wire that I found in the basement.

    The broken wire was 12AWG and runs directly off a 20amp breaker. When I opened the junction box, I found that, the 12AWG line splits into two other lines (one goes to a light in the basement, and one goes to an outlet for the stove). These 2 lines are 14AWG.

    Is this up to code? Can you run 14AWG wires off a 12AWG line?
    Perito's Avatar
    Perito Posts: 3,139, Reputation: 150
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    #2

    Nov 21, 2009, 08:53 AM

    In a word, "No". You can't derate the wire. Anything coming off a 20 amp fuse must be 12 AWG or better.

    ... a stove outlet on 14 AWG wire?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 21, 2009, 11:40 AM
    Actually you can have a 12 AWG wire mixed in with 14 AWG. However, you cannot run 20 Amp in this circuit. The limitation is tied to the "Weakest Link" which would be the 14 AWG.

    NEC Code limits the amperage carried by a 14 AWG wire to 15 amps. Since you cannot exceed the 15 amps, the breaker protecting this circuit can be no larger that 15 amps.

    My suggestion is to get a licensed electrician out to take a look at the wiring. It is much better than calling your insurance agent to get reimbursed for the fire that may well occur.
    Perito's Avatar
    Perito Posts: 3,139, Reputation: 150
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    #4

    Nov 23, 2009, 09:31 AM
    Actually you can have a 12 AWG wire mixed in with 14 AWG. However, you cannot run 20 Amp in this circuit. The limitation is tied to the "Weakest Link" which would be the 14 AWG.
    Isn't that basically what I said?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
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    #5

    Nov 23, 2009, 09:41 AM
    No, I'm saying the direct opposite.

    I'm saying that you can mix 12 AWG and 14 AWG together, but the circuit must be protected by a 15 am breaker. You cannot use a 20 amp breaker on a 14 AWG section.

    The entire circuit can be no greater than 15 amp.

    Unless, you are speaking of a voltage drop situation where you need to use a higher amperage to get the voltage you need at the load end.
    Washington1's Avatar
    Washington1 Posts: 798, Reputation: 36
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    #6

    Nov 23, 2009, 04:50 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Perito View Post
    Isn't that basically what I said?
    Yes!

    Donf just added more information! ;)
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #7

    Nov 26, 2009, 09:17 PM

    Short answer is no. Long answer is: yes if you change the breaker to 15amp.

    I just clarified what everyone already said.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #8

    Nov 26, 2009, 09:23 PM

    Too much turkey.
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #9

    Nov 26, 2009, 09:30 PM

    Who you calling a turkey?
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