New wiring safety check ?
#1
09-17-16, 05:40 PM
Join Date: Sep 2016
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New wiring safety check ?
I have 20amp breaker, 20amp outlet, 20amp switch. The power feed is 14 gauge wire (existing in the house). I bought 10gauge wire to feed the new outlet and switch. I had a light in basement (pull string). I want a switch and outlet now. It's going to be my little workshop. The outlet will run like saw and charger for drill. My real question I suppose is...is it safe to go from 14gauge to 10gauge, or should I go back to Lowe's.
#2
09-17-16, 05:50 PM
Member
14 ga wire can carry 15 amps maximum. The circuit breaker on a circuit with *any* 14 ga wire in it cannot be larger than 15 amps.
If you want a 20 amp circuit, you need 12 ga wire throughout the circuit wiring. 10 ga would be overkill for a 20 amp circuit unless the cable run was very long.
Good luck with your project.
If you want a 20 amp circuit, you need 12 ga wire throughout the circuit wiring. 10 ga would be overkill for a 20 amp circuit unless the cable run was very long.
Good luck with your project.
#4
09-18-16, 08:27 AM
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: United States, Virginia
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If the #10 is a unopened roll of Romex take it back and get #12 for a 20A circuit. As said the entire circuit has to be a minimum of #12 for 20A. So the #14 needs to be replaced with the #12.
