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About Jeff Evans
Expertise
Can answer most residential and commercial electrical questions, Installing recepticles, switches, general wiring, troubleshooting.

Experience
Experience in the area 13 years as an electrician, 10 as a Journeyman Electrician Organizations I belong to: NFPA Education/Credentials Master Craftsman - Associated Builders & Contractors Associate Degree in Computer Programming - Clark College

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Electrical Wiring in the Home > combining wire size

Electrical Wiring in the Home - combining wire size

Expert: Jeff Evans - 4/4/2004

Question
Jeff,
I am installing a switch to a light in my basement. I purchased 12/2 wire for another circuit I installed, and was going to use that same wire for the switch loop. As I was getting ready to connect to the fixture, I noticed that the exsisting wire was 14/2. Must I use 14/2 for the switch loop and a receptacle that I had planned to feed from the same source, or can I use the 12/2 that I have on hand?
Gary Baughn
Palmyra,VA

Answer
Yes you can use the #12 wire. If there was originally #12 and you wanted to use #14 then you would have a problem as #12 wire is usually on a 20 amp breaker and #14 is on a 15 amp. So the #14 would burn up before the breaker would trip but it is always permissible to use a larger wire. Jeff

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About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here