As long as you have a 15A circuit breaker on that circuit, it's OK to use 12/2 NM cable for your lights. Since the maximum current on the circuit will be 15A, you won't need special switches. You should label the wire that it is 15A, not 20A, so that someone else doesn't come along and treat it as a 20A circuit.
Can 12-2 wire be used for outlets?
There is no limit to the number of outlets you may connect on a single circuit breaker, but your use of 12/2 wire limits it to a 20 amp breaker. What you need to consider is how many of those outlets will be in use at a given time and the expected current draw from what will be plugged in to them.
What is the purpose of 12-2 2 Romex?
Cable Type NM-B
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# of Conductors 4 Conductors w/ Ground
Conductor Material Bare Copper
Ampacity 20
Jacket Color Yellow
Should I use 10 or 12-gauge wire?
RULES OF THUMB. Many techs will repeat these rules of thumb and rely on them in all circumstances: “Twelve-gauge wire is good for 20 amps, 10-gauge wire is good for 30 amps, 8-gauge is good for 40 amps, and 6-gauge is good for 55 amps,” and “The circuit breaker or fuse is always sized to protect the conductor [wire].”18 Sept 2017
Here's a simple visual. Twelve gauge is about the thickness of a nickel, and 14-gauge is about the thickness of a dime. Also, look at the breaker for the circuit in question to see if it's a 15-amp or a 20-amp breaker. A 20-amp circuit requires wire that's 12-gauge or larger.31 Jul 2018
What is the difference between 12 AWG and 14 AWG?
Is it 12 gauge wire vs 14? A 12 gauge low voltage wire has a diameter of roughly 0.0808 inches (2.053 mm), whereas 14 AWG wire has a diameter of around 0.0641 inches (1.628 mm). It is thus 26 percent thicker and 59 percent larger in a cross-sectional area compared to 14 gauge wire.
What is 14 gauge wire used for?
usedfor light fixtures
Can I mix 12 gauge and 14 gauge wire?
Originally Answered: Can I mix 12 and 14 gauge wire? The 12 gauge can carry more current, therefore; you must not use 14 gauge in place of 12 gauge, but you can use 12 gauge in place of 14 gauge, but 12 gauge is larger.
Can I use 14 gauge wire for outlets?
14-gauge wire is only safe to use when wiring an outlet that is on a circuit 15 amps or lower. Never use 14-gauge wire for an outlet on a circuit with amperage over 15. Check your breaker box to find the amperage of the circuit your outlet is on.
Can you wire a house with 14 2 wire?
For residential there is no limit. For commercial on a 15 amp circuit which is what you use 14 awg wire. You can install up to 8 outlets. 14–2 wiring is for 15 amp circuits ONLY.Do not use this wire for anything over 15 amps.
Which is bigger 12 gauge wire or 14 gauge wire?
A 12 gauge low voltage wire has a diameter of roughly 0.0808 inches (2.053 mm), whereas 14 AWG wire has a diameter of around 0.0641 inches (1.628 mm). It is thus 26 percent thicker and 59 percent larger in a cross-sectional area compared to 14 gauge wire.
Whats better 14 2 or 12 2 wire?
In a nutshell in home wiring 12–2 is used for up to 20 A circuits and 14–2 is only good for up to 15 Amps. In general, when a 20 A breaker is installed you must use 12–2 wire and you can't have sub-branches going off for lighting with jus 14–2 even if the lights are not expected to draw more than 15 A.
What is bigger 12 gauge or 16 wire?
The thicker the wire, the lower the gauge number. For long wire runs, high power applications and low impedance speakers, thick wire (12 or 14 gauge) is recommended. 16 gauge wire is usually fine for short runs less than 50 feet.