Wiring for kitchen lights?

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aptman3

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I know you are required to use 12 guage in residential kitchens, but is 14 permissible to be used for lighting only? It would be much easier to install under cabinet lights with 14 guage wire. Any one know of a code reference restricting this?
 
We are not required to use #12 wire in residential kitchens. What we are required to do is to use 20 amp circuits for residential kitchen countertop receptacles. That, in turn, forces us to use #12 or larger conductors for these loads only. There is no similar rule for kitchen receptacles that do not serve the countertops, nor for kitchen lights, smoke detectors, garbage disposals, trash compactors, or any other loads. So yes, you can serve kitchen lights with 15 amp circuits and #14 wire.
 
charlie b, I don't read 210.52(B)(1) that way.
I see no problem with the lighting on a 15 amp circuit, but my read is that ALL wall and floor outlets in the kitchen and covered by 210.52(A) have to be on a S/A 20 amp circuit.
 
Yea, you are right Gus. All kitchen receptacles require 20 amp circuits. I need another cup of coffee this morning. :happyyes:
 
aptman3 said:
I know you are required to use 12 guage in residential kitchens, but is 14 permissible to be used for lighting only? It would be much easier to install under cabinet lights with 14 guage wire. Any one know of a code reference restricting this?
Click to expand...

What kind of u/c lighting? The answer is that it depends based on manufacturer requirements... A 15amp lighting circuit is permissible.
 
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Thanks for the feedback guys, I was just checking because an inspector failed because of #14 in the kitchen for the lighting circuit. He said everything must be #12 in the kitchen. However, in other cities we are able to use #14 for kitchen lighting circuits with no problems.
 
aptman3 said:
Thanks for the feedback guys, I was just checking because an inspector failed because of #14 in the kitchen for the lighting circuit. He said everything must be #12 in the kitchen. However, in other cities we are able to use #14 for kitchen lighting circuits with no problems.
Click to expand...

Ask for written documentation for inspectors request for 14 awg for kitchen lighting.

Don't you hate these shirt pocket rules that they coume up with.
 
aptman3 said:
Thanks for the feedback guys, I was just checking because an inspector failed because of #14 in the kitchen for the lighting circuit. He said everything must be #12 in the kitchen. However, in other cities we are able to use #14 for kitchen lighting circuits with no problems.
Click to expand...

The inspector is wrong. we use 15 amp circuits in kitchens for lighting, dishwashers, disposals, insta hots, under counter reefers, warming draws, and anything else that calls for it based on the load. We use #12 wire and 20 amp breakers on SABC (counter receptacles) We use #12 and 20 A for Refrigerators but you can use 15 A and #14 wire - totally legal. We use #12 for large exhaust hoods, microhoods, and some newer ovens we use 12/3 220 volt based on their specs.

Code References for #12 wire only requirements?
 
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