All wiring must be #12 AWG or larger ? Blueprint

[Mystic Pools]

Architect had on blueprint for office building that " all wire not smaller than #12 AWG " He says on the phone " whatever NEC requires. " I told him we often use #14 for lighting.
Is there a number of recessed lights (LED) specified for #14 ? Thank you

Ah yes, architects. I love the "liberties"they take. They put things on plans they know nothing about. He says, whatever the NEC requires. What, he didn't know? But he put in the plan. So he must know??
I find this in my work when they put structural details on plans and they are completely wrong. I have this conversation very often with my structural engineer. Kinda of a running joke.

 

[Charged]

Specifying a minimum wire size of #12 AWG is extremely common in industrial and commercial designs. We also generally required all stranded wire. The NEC is not always a design guide. The main reason for #12 over #14, is physical strength and eliminating voltage drop issues.

I agree , not a design guide. Seems like there is sometimes criticism if it’s not code minimum. Sometimes we need to get to that but if it’s known up front and in the price/bid, I never saw the problem…..maybe if it’s taking away from other aspects of the design to meet owners budget. I can see an argument, Cheap light fixtures for oversized wiring or something. Just something you have to work through.