Residential Branch circuit wires downsized at lights.

[Will Wire]

Situation: Service call on existing house.

Branch circuit home runs for lighting 12-2 Romex, 20 amp breakers. Switch legs up to lights 14-2 Romex. My understanding is that this is not code compliant, and that the breaker must be changed to 15 amp, because of the limitation restrictions for small wires in NEC 240.4(D).

Am I correct in my understanding?

Thanks

 

[infinity]

You're correct. #14 in this application is limited to 15 amps.

 

[LarryFine]

And correct because the switched lines are still branch-circuit conductors, not fixture wires.

 

[infinity]

If these were fixture wires like in a fixture whip they could be as small as #18 AWG but a Larry noted they are still part of the branch circuit so those branch circuit rules apply.

 

[Little Bill]

For what ever reason, this was once done everywhere around here. Also, apparently allowed as there was inspection stickers on the panels.

 

[ModbusMan]

Also, apparently allowed as there was inspection stickers on the panels.

Knock home inspectors all you like, but Cy Porter has found some pretty nasty stuff on his videos, including big green stickers that should never have been filled out.

 

[infinity]

Knock home inspectors all you like, but Cy Porter has found some pretty nasty stuff on his videos, including big green stickers that should never have been filled out.

You might want to read Bills comment again it was not about home inspectors. Home inspectors don't put inspection stickers on panels, electrical inspectors do.

 

[ModbusMan]

Home inspectors don't put inspection stickers on panels, electrical inspectors do.

That's exactly my point. The new-build electrical inspectors in Phoenix leave a lot to be desired.

 

[infinity]

That's exactly my point. The new-build electrical inspectors in Phoenix leave a lot to be desired.

I get your point it just came across as if Bill was knocking home inspectors somewhere in this thread.

Regarding Cy, he's mostly inspecting tract homes from big developers who are obviously "influencing" the inspectors in his area. What he finds is disgraceful.

 

[ModbusMan]

I get your point it just came across as if Bill was knocking home inspectors somewhere in this thread.

I read it as Bill saying "If it's green, it's good," which sadly isn't always the case. More that home inspectors tend to get a "they're a necessary evil" rap, but having a competent one can really save your noodle.

Regarding Cy, he's mostly inspecting tract homes from big developers who are obviously "influencing" the inspectors in his area. What he finds is disgraceful.

Indeed. But at least the manufacturer of that AL wire with the shrinking sleeves went ?!?! and put out a bulletin about the problem.