Electrical Wiring in the Home/combining wire size

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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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Electrical Wiring in the Home

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Jeff Evans

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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

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