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roadie66 · Dec 28, 2011, 08:12 AM

I'm running a 12/2 wire from the box to a 20amp GFCI. I'm pig tailing another 12/2 to another 20amp GFCI in order to have two GFCI plugs in a new bath. I now want to add a 14/2 wire to a new exhaust fan. The 14/2 would come off the load side of the GFCI to the fan which is over a shower. It's rated for wet location as long as it's connected to a GFCI. The second GFCI would be the one protecting the fan. Is this OK and what amp breaker would I use in the box.

Shipbdan

donf · Dec 28, 2011, 09:48 AM

Hold on there, please.

If you introduce a 14 AWG cable into this environment, the entire circuit would have to be reduced to a max load of 12 amps.

This violates several electrical codes.

The receptacles must be on a 20 amp circuit.

roadie66 · Dec 28, 2011, 10:58 AM

Thanks for your reply: Should I change the GFCI, wire and fuse to 15amps or continue to run 12 AWG to the switch of the fan that controls the lights? Do I even need a 20amp circuit here?

stanfortyman · Dec 28, 2011, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by donf

If you introduce a 14 AWG cable into this enviroment, the entire circuit would have to be reduced to a max load of 12 amps.

Not true. The circuit would have to be reduced to a 15A breaker, which is a waste of 5 amps for the sake of one piece of #14.
A 15A circuit can have a max load of 15A.

Originally Posted by donf

This violates several electrical codes.

True.

Originally Posted by donf

The receptacles must be on a 20 amp circuit.

True

stanfortyman · Dec 28, 2011, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by roadie66

Thanks for your reply: Should I change the GFCI, wire and fuse to 15amps or continue to run 12 AWG to the switch of the fan that controls the lights? Do I even need a 20amp circuit here?

Continue to run #12. DO NOT reduce wire size in a circuit.

donf · Dec 28, 2011, 07:18 PM

"Originally Posted by donf:

If you introduce a 14 AWG cable into this enviroment, the entire circuit would have to be reduced to a max load of 12 amps.

"Not true. The circuit would have to be reduced to a 15A breaker, which is a waste of 5 amps for the sake of one piece of #14. A 15A circuit can have a max load of 15A."

I'm sorry, did I misapply NEC 210.21(B) and Table (210.21(B)(2)?