14 and 12 Ga Copper in same box?
#1
02-02-08, 08:01 PM
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14 and 12 Ga Copper in same box?
Hello,
I was looking through NEC 2005 for any restrictions on having both 12 ga. and 14 ga. copper in the same box (deep three gang heavy duty plastic new work). I didn't see any code. The 3 gang switches two interior light circuits both 14 ga, and 1 exterior light circuit (circuit also feeds 2 external GFI's) on 12 ga.
Wondering what the code says here if anything.
Thanks
I was looking through NEC 2005 for any restrictions on having both 12 ga. and 14 ga. copper in the same box (deep three gang heavy duty plastic new work). I didn't see any code. The 3 gang switches two interior light circuits both 14 ga, and 1 exterior light circuit (circuit also feeds 2 external GFI's) on 12 ga.
Wondering what the code says here if anything.
Thanks
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#2
02-02-08, 08:31 PM
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Anyway it wouldn't be practical to remove all 14-2 wire from homes.
#3
02-02-08, 09:24 PM
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Are the 14 gauge and the 12 gauge on the same circuit? If so, the breaker must be a 15 amp. To avoid confusion, it's usually not recommended to mix 14 and 12 on the same circuit, but it's not against code as long as the smaller breaker is used. It's possible someone ran out of 14 gauge wire, or someone had extra 12 gauge wire and extended the circuit.
#4
02-03-08, 07:30 AM
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Not on same circuit
Hello,
The 12 and 14 ga. are on seperate circuits. However they would enter the same triple gang switch box in my design. The 12 gauge is used to power external lights, 14 internal.
Thanks
The 12 and 14 ga. are on seperate circuits. However they would enter the same triple gang switch box in my design. The 12 gauge is used to power external lights, 14 internal.
Thanks
#5
02-03-08, 10:20 AM
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When I did my bath remodel my inspecter had no problems with having two circuits in one box one a 12 and the other 14.
#6
02-03-08, 10:30 AM
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2 seperate circuits, 1 box, appropriate size breaker for each?
Not a problem.
Not a problem.
#7
02-04-08, 09:47 AM
You may have both #12 and #14 wire in the same box provided that they are on separate circuits, the #14 is protected by a breaker no larger than 15A, and the #12 is protected by a breaker no larger than 20A. The ground wires of the two circuits must be connected, and the neutrals must not be connected.
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