wire size question

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pulliteasy

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Hi everyone
The company I work for is a general contractor with a electrical license holder that does his electrical. For now I am stuck with being a helper. Most of our work consist of rewiring.
It just really hit me after reading some of the articals, just how many code violations are going on.To many to list really,but in all the rewires we have done there has not been any 14-2 romex used at all. The guy wires everything with 12-2 romex. Well the wire is plenty heavy enough but what violations are there where 15 amp recepticals and such are used. Oh and by everything I meant general things such as recepticals switches and such where you would normally use 14-2 w/g. Is this a regular practice? What bad will come from this? I really think I know but want some backbone evidence when I call him on it. Thanx for replies
 
Re: wire size question

You can wire everything with 12 AWG.

You can supply 15 amp duplex receptacles with a 20 amp circuit.

In my opinion wiring all circuits in a home with 12 AWG is overkill. But each electrician has their own style.

I personally would rather more 15 amp circuits than fewer 20 amp circuits supplying the same number of outlets. Which is a better system?

16 outlets supplied by a 20 amp circuit or 16 outlets supplied by two 15 amp circuits?

IMO I would rather the two 15 amp circuits.
 
Re: wire size question

I know were you are coming from I started working with a E.C. 5y ears ago as I started reading the code, Then stared to question in my mind what we were doing. Nothing unsafe little things that saved him money. As I built up respect I would say Hey I red this in the code what dose that mean? or why do we do this when the code says that? In the end it is his call.
As for the 12awg some people think it is better. we do new construction and some people will want the whole house on 12, Try cuting in 80 cans in 12 lots of fun.
 
Re: wire size question

The only related violations I could think of with oversizing wire would be #12 wire on a 20 amp CB with a single 15 amp receptacle or exceeding box fill on some feed-thru cans and pancake boxes.

Mark

[ November 15, 2005, 06:41 AM: Message edited by: busman ]
 
Re: wire size question

In our area, its about 50-50, each electrician adament about why 12 is better or vice-versa. From an inspection standpoint, I know with the 2 gang boxes avaialable in this area, its awfully easy to create a box-fill problem with 12 if there are many 3way/4 ways.
From installing and inspecting, I personally prefer 14 on lighting due to box fill and easier terminations.
 
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