Home Wiring Advice – Be Careful Where You Get It From
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Beware of Bad Advice about Home Electrical Wiring – Silly advice and incorrect information can be a problem – This circuit wire size should always stay the same size with few exceptions, and yes, a 15 amp circuit breaker is the right size for 14 AWG copper. © By: Dave Rongey |
Bad Home Wiring Advice About an Electrical Circuit
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I just put in a new circuit on a 15amp breaker that only has lights on it.
- I used 14-2 wire, since it only has lights, no receptacles, and it’s easier to work with than 12-2 (I’m a 5’2″ tall woman, so my hands aren’t very big and I find 12-2 heavy to pull and hard to bend).
- The home run is really long (about 30 feet).
I was all ready to attach it to the new breaker, but the guy at Home Depot just told me that I can’t attach 14 AWG wire directly to the breaker. Instead, I have to either run 12-2 to the first light (and then I can run 14-2 to the rest of the lights), or I have to have a junction box just outside of the breaker box, where I change from 12-2 to 14-2.
This seems silly.
Is it really true that I’m not allowed to attach 14-2 directly to the 15amp breaker?
This electrical question came from Annalisa, a Handywoman from Charleston, IL
See more about Home Wiring for Illinois
Thanks so much for your advice!!
-Annalisa
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Annalisa.
Beware of Bad Advice about Home Electrical Wiring
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill, auger bits and extension cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical circuit wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.
- Your absolutely right Annalisa, that was silly advice and incorrect, your plan is correct.
- The circuit wire size should always stay the same size with few exceptions, and yes, a 15 amp circuit breaker is the right size for 14 AWG copper.
The Following resources will assist you with your electrical question:
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This link is helpful as a Handywoman
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