code

[enireh]

new construction 20 amp circuit, is it against the code to come out of a switch box with 14 if the load is minimal? like feeding a fan or can lights etc. if a closet was on the end of the circuit would it be ok to hit the switch and outlet with 14?

 

[jumper]

No.

 

[infinity]

I agree with Jumper, nope.

 

[Coppersmith]

new construction 20 amp circuit, is it against the code to come out of a switch box with 14 if the load is minimal? like feeding a fan or can lights etc. if a closet was on the end of the circuit would it be ok to hit the switch and outlet with 14?

If the fan or switch shorts out the load is no longer minimal. Now the #14 wire will glow bright red and set things on fire, so no.

 

[enireh]

code

thank you!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyl7GP_VMJY

 

[don_resqcapt19]

new construction 20 amp circuit, is it against the code to come out of a switch box with 14 if the load is minimal? like feeding a fan or can lights etc. if a closet was on the end of the circuit would it be ok to hit the switch and outlet with 14?

Yes it is against the code to do that. The 14 is a branch circuit conductor and cannot be protected by a 20 amp OCPD.

 

[jumper]

Yes it is against the code to do that. The 14 is a branch circuit conductor and cannot be protected by a 20 amp OCPD.

Looking back, I see how we kinda should have clarified our answers. Oops.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Looking back, I see how we kinda should have clarified our answers. Oops.

That is why I posted. I wanted to be sure the OP understood that you can't do that.

 

[jeff48356]

Yes, it is against Code. You cannot mix #12 and #14 on the same circuit. If a circuit is rated for 20A, then all conductors on the circuit must be as well.

 

[infinity]

Yes, it is against Code. You cannot mix #12 and #14 on the same circuit. If a circuit is rated for 20A, then all conductors on the circuit must be as well.

I agree but you could mix #12's and #14's on a 15 amp circuit.

 

[Adamjamma]

I agree but you could mix #12's and #14's on a 15 amp circuit.

So does that mean you could wire a lighting circuit with a 15amp breaker, 12 g wire to the lighting points and 14 gauge to the switches and be legal?

 

[jumper]

So does that mean you could wire a lighting circuit with a 15amp breaker, 12 g wire to the lighting points and 14 gauge to the switches and be legal?

Yes, but the #12 ampacity is wasted.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Your circuit is as strong as the weakest link. If there is a 14 gauge wire in the circuit that you connected to a 12 gauge wire then the circuit is only rated 15 amps.

 

[tom baker]

The code rule on this is 240.4. You should look this section up, its the #1 rule for wiring protection.

 

[JPinVA]

It is often human nature to ask negative questions where a no answer means "you can" and a yes answer means "you cannot". That said, when it comes to code compliance questions, it's a good idea to word the question in a manner that Yes means it's allowed and no means it's not allowed.