Did 2020 Code kill 12/3 NM Sales ?

[Cletis]

12/3 NM sales take sharp decline wondering if related to new codes particularly gfci and afci on everything basically ?

 

[Jraef]

Why would that make a difference in wire sales?
And given that only one state has even adopted the 2020 code yet, probably not even if there is an issue.

 

[hbiss]

I don't think the 2020 has anything to do with it but I suspect AFCI and GFCI breakers being increasingly required by previous codes. Nobody runs MWBCs anymore. So about the only thing you would use 3 wire for is 3-way switching and 240V circuits. And you don't normally use 12 for residential 3-ways.

However, if you are basing your assumption on what big box stores stock, keep in mind that DIYs don't know what to do with a red wire.

-Hal

 

[LarryFine]

However, if you are basing your assumption on what big box stores stock, keep in mind that DIYs don't know what to do with a red wire.

That's for sure. I once was called to troubleshoot an intermittent laundry receptacle that had been added on modern 12-2 NM w'G. Someone had intercepted a non-ground 14-3 between 3-way switches for a living-room light that coincidentally had quit working.

They connected white to white, black to black, and red to, well, what's left? The bare copper! Whenever someone flipped the 3-way switch, either the washer worked or its cabinet was hot. The obvious fix was to run the 12-2 NM to the panel and repair the 14-3.