Can I connect 14 - 2 gauge wire to 12 gauge wire?
I have 12 gauge wires on a 20 amp breaker, and there are 3 power outlets in this circuit.
Can I create an extended outlet (just for a WIFI router about 50w) using 14/2 gauge wire on that 12 gauge circuit?
Why I am considering doing this:.
I have 14 gauge wires available.
This power outlet will only be used for the 50w WIFI router.
Any safety concerns?
Thanks.
Question from user Ming at stackexchange
Answer:
If you change out the breaker for a 15 amp breaker, then 14/2 wire to that receptacle is fine. Otherwise you're out of compliance with the NEC.
The safety concern with 14/2 wire on a 20 amp circuit would be an appliance at the new receptable continuously drawing 19.5 amps without tripping the breaker. The 14 gauge wire could overheat and cause a fire.
The NEC allows breaker circuits with wiring ampacities far in excess of the breaker tripping amperage, just not breaker circuits with wiring ampacities below the breaker tripping amperage.
Answer from user popham at stackexchange
I have 12 gauge wires on a 20 amp breaker, and there are 3 power outlets in this circuit.
Can I create an extended outlet (just for a WIFI router about 50w) using 14/2 gauge wire on that 12 gauge circuit?
Why I am considering doing this:.
I have 14 gauge wires available.
This power outlet will only be used for the 50w WIFI router.
Any safety concerns?
Thanks.
Question from user Ming at stackexchange
Answer:
If you change out the breaker for a 15 amp breaker, then 14/2 wire to that receptacle is fine. Otherwise you're out of compliance with the NEC.
The safety concern with 14/2 wire on a 20 amp circuit would be an appliance at the new receptable continuously drawing 19.5 amps without tripping the breaker. The 14 gauge wire could overheat and cause a fire.
The NEC allows breaker circuits with wiring ampacities far in excess of the breaker tripping amperage, just not breaker circuits with wiring ampacities below the breaker tripping amperage.
Answer from user popham at stackexchange