Summary:
Electrical Circuits Question: I'm wiring approximately 30 feet of wire underneath my house. Should I use 12-2 or 10-3 due to the length.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Great website, especially if you don't think there's a need to pay an electrician for a potentially minor job. Garret from Shercock, UK
I'm wiring approximately 30 feet of wire underneath my house. Should I use 12-2 or 10-3 due to the length?
Thanks
Mike.
Hi Mike - Great Electrical Repair Question! Mike, 30 feet is not a distance to be concerned about as it applies to voltage drop, what you need to pay attention to is what the circuit is to be used for - or what is the application? For example: general purpose lighting and/or outlets can be wired with 12-2 Romex placed on a 20 amp circuit breaker, or 14-2 Romex placed on a 15 amp circuit breaker. This page has a chart showing wire sizes and amperages which should be helpful as well:
http://www.ask-the-electrician.com/electrical-wire.html
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits! From: Mike C Dave I'm wiring in a over the stove microwave approximately 12 amp required. Thanks Mike
Mike, Install a 20 amp circuit for the microwave. The wire should be a 12/2 Romex Type-NM with ground. Dave
Dave Rongey, Licensed Electrical Contractor, Assisting with Home Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs
Electrical Wiring Video #2
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects
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Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
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