What size breaker should I use for 12-2 wire?
20 amp
You can use a 20 amp circuit breaker with 12/2 Romex as 12/2 wire is rated for 20 amps. Always remember THE BREAKER IS THERE TO PROTECT THE WIRE NOT THE APPLIANCE !!!
What is a 12-2 circuit?
“12-2” means 12 gauge, two insulated current carrying wires, plus a bare ground. 12-2 wire usually has a black, white and bare ground wire. Sometimes the white is red instead for 220V circuits without neutral. 12-3 wire usually has a black, red, white and bare ground wire.
Can you use 12-2 wire for a switch?
Yes, it is okay to use 12-2 cable to supply lighting fixtures.
Will a 12-2 wire carry 30 amps?
No. 12 gauge wire is rated for a maximum of 20 amps. You need a minimum of 10AWG wire for 30 amps.
How far can you run 12 2 wire on a 20 amp breaker?
Originally Answered: How far can you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit? About 400 feet. After that voltage drop is a factor and the gauge will have to be increased or the voltage increased.
Can 12 2 Romex be used with a 15 amp breaker?
However, 12-gauge wire is acceptable on both 15- and 20-amp circuits, so some electricians use it exclusively when wiring a house. This avoids the potential for mixing wire gauges in future repairs or additions, which is prohibited by the National Electric Code because it’s a fire hazard.
What can 12 2 wire be used for?
A 12-2 Romex will have a black(hot) and a white(neutral) wire as well as an unsheathed copper wire for ground….The following NEC regulations apply to Romex conductors:
| Wire Gauge or Type | Rated Amperage | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 12-2 Romex | 20 A | Lighting and Outlet Circuits, refrigerator |
What can 12-2 wire be used for?
How many lights can I put on a 12-2 wire?
So for a 12-2 gauge wire, the number of lights will be (30×15) 450 watts. So you can load 450 watts on your 12-2 gauge wires.
What happens if you put a 30 amp breaker on 12 gauge wire?
You should not use a 30-amp circuit breaker on a 12-gauge wire. This higher current can damage the thinner wire, melt the insulation, cause short circuits, fire, and even lethal shock.
What is the difference between 12 2 and 12 3 Romex?
The first number indicates the gauge of the wire. A 12-2 Romex will have a black(hot) and a white(neutral) wire as well as an unsheathed copper wire for ground. A 12-3 Romex will have a black(hot), red(hot), white(neutral), and bare copper. The red on a 12-3 is used for three-way light switches which are covered later.
How many outlets can you connect to a 12/2 wire breaker?
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.
Can I use a 15 amp breaker for a 20 amp outlet?
Maybe using #12 wire, but still use a 15A breaker unless it is known 20A is needed for that outlet. Hopefully there is an electrician who can give NEC info to this question. Electricity is nothing to mess around with unless one knows the code.
Can I use a 14-2 circuit breaker for a bathroom receptacle?
Code requires a 20A breaker on bathroom receptacles, so 14-2 is out of the question. 14-2 could be used for the hardwired loads, but then, you’d need a #12 20A circuit for the receps. Bathroom receptacles have some special rules. They can only be on two kinds of circuits.
What is the difference between 12/2 and 12/3 wire?
The designation 12/2 indicates AWG 12 wire with two conductors (AC hot and AC neutral), 12/3 indicates AWG 12 wire with three conductors (two AC hot and AC neutral). Both designations also typically include a smaller bare copper earth ground conductor.