#14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

[electric_instructor]

I have been an electrician for about 26 years, and have held a master electrician license for the last 16 years. For the last year I have been an instructor for Kaplan Higher education, Texas Careers (Lubbock campus), and have registered as an instructor with Mike Holt Ent.

Now I am teaching continuing Education for Texas Electricians, and have found that THE #1 most argued point in my classes is the allowance by most inspectors, (even in Austin, Texas) of the use of #14 AWG switch-loops on a 20 amp circuit, this seems to be standard practice on most residential jobs, in many locations in Texas.

I disagree with this, and feel that the code doesn?t allow this practice, I wanted to get your opinion on the subject. Since I am teaching the code and Texas State laws, and rules as they pertain to electricians, I feel that it is VERY important that I be correct in this debate, and that I be informed. Most electricians seem to feel that it is a tap, I disagree with this, others, seem to feel that it is allowable, as the fixture(s) could never draw more than 15 amps (what about a fault?). I disagree with this also, believing that the loop is part of the branch circuit, and as such must be rated for the 20 amp over-current protection.

There seems to be a large number of contractors, as well as many inspectors who feel that the practice of using #14 AWG in this manner is legal, and I disagree. What do you think?

 

[peter d]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

Originally posted by electric_instructor:
I disagree with this, and feel that the code doesn?t allow this practice, I wanted to get your opinion on the subject.

You are 100% correct.

The code article to support this is 240.4(D). Note that these are not tap conductors and 240.4(E) does not apply.

 

[electric_instructor]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

Thanks for the input! I believe that many mistakenly quote 240.4(E)(2), BUT they don't fully read and understand 240.5 (B)(2).

I believe that this section refers to "flexible cord" ONLY, and that they fail to read the entire section!

 

[allenwayne]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

That must be a Texas thing.Here using #14 wire on a 20 amp #12 wire circuit would add up to a fat $30.00 reinspection Look at NM for instance the new wire has the outer jacket color coded to make it easier for the inspector to see what gauge wire is installed, since color coding is not an NEC issue.

 

[electric_instructor]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

That is my problem, many of the debates are started by "inspectors", since they allow the practice in their area, many MORE electricians feel that it is OK, "because my inspector allows it"!

 

[pierre]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

Tap conductor requirements for branch circuits are found in 210.19(A)(4)Exception #1

"(4) Other Loads. Branch-circuit conductors that supply loads other than those specified in 210.2 and other than cooking appliances as covered in 210.19(A)(3) shall have an ampacity sufficient for the loads served and shall not besmaller than 14 AWG.

Exception No. 1: Tap conductors shall have an ampacity suffıcient for the load served. In addition, they shall have an ampacity of not less than 15 for circuits rated less than 40
amperes and not less than 20 for circuits rated at 40 or 50 amperes and only where these tap conductors supply any of the following loads:
(a) Individual lampholders or luminaires (fixtures) with taps extending not longer than 450 mm (18 in.) beyond any portion of the lampholder or luminaire (fixture).
(b) A fixture having tap conductors as provided in 410.67.


410.67 Wiring.
(A) General. Conductors that have insulation suitable for the temperature encountered shall be used.
(B) Circuit Conductors. Branch-circuit conductors that have an insulation suitable for the temperature encountered shall be permitted to terminate in the luminaire (fixture).
(C) Tap Conductors. Tap conductors of a type suitable for the temperature encountered shall be permitted to run from the luminaire (fixture) terminal connection to an outlet box placed at least 300 mm (1 ft) from the luminaire (fixture).
Such tap conductors shall be in suitable raceway or Type AC or MC cable of at least 450 mm (18 in.) but not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) in length.

The tap can occur from a Jbox located within 6 ft of the fixture. From the switch to the Jbox the conductor is required to be sized to the overcurrent device protecting it.

[ October 22, 2005, 01:25 PM: Message edited by: pierre ]

 

[electric_instructor]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

Yes I agree, and as I have said, they do not research, or follow through. I have researched and read the included articles, but I do appreciate the input, and am glad to know that I'm correct! THANKS!

 

[augie47]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

for the record, for me, this has been a monster.
Certain areas of TN. have for years allowed "#14 switch legs" on 20 amp circuits. Recently, the powers that be (State), ruled that this only applied to what is considered a "leg",{from the lighting outlet to the switch and back (no neutral)}" and not from the switch to the light. Hopefully I will live long enough to see the use of 14 on a 20 amp circuit disappear altogether.

 

[pierre]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

Just something to think of when reading the NEC.

It is designed in outline form. So when reading a section or subsection, it is very important to "LOOK BACKWARDS" in the code. What I mean by that, is this: if you are reading a subsection [such as 410.67(C)], look "backwards" to the section number, than "backwards" again to the PART [in this case PART XI. Special Provisions for Flush and Recessed Lumimaires (Fixtures)]. Then "backwards" one more time to the Article (410). This way you will always be aware of where you are in the NEC, and you will make less mistakes in what/where you read.

The bold tittles to these different aspects of the outline form, will help give you guidance to whether or not you are even in the ballpark.

 

[allenwayne]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

The use of #14 on a 20 amp circuit is stupid . How much could be gained by this practice.If I am wiring in #12 to stop and get a piece of #14 to save a penny is a waste of time,even if it was allowed.This is not a tap rule situation so it is not code compliant as far as I can see.Anyone have an article that would support this practice?

 

[George Stolz]

Re: #14 AWG on 20 Branch circuit?

Originally posted by augie47:
Recently, the powers that be (State), ruled that this only applied to what is considered a "leg",{from the lighting outlet to the switch and back (no neutral)}" and not from the switch to the light.

Dare I ask what leap their train of thought took on that one?