Wiring with 14/3 when only 14/2 is needed
#1
02-26-11, 08:22 AM
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Wiring with 14/3 when only 14/2 is needed
I'm finishing my basement and about to start the electrical. I have about 100ft of 14/3 that I would like to use instead of having to go out and buy 14/2.
Would code allow me to use the 14/3 instead of 14/2 and pass with the inspector? Could I just use a wirenut to cap off the 3rd (red) wire even though it would not be connected anywhere in the series?
All my switches are single pole and receptacles run in parallel.
thanks
Mark
Would code allow me to use the 14/3 instead of 14/2 and pass with the inspector? Could I just use a wirenut to cap off the 3rd (red) wire even though it would not be connected anywhere in the series?
All my switches are single pole and receptacles run in parallel.
thanks
Mark
#2
02-26-11, 08:30 AM
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The biggest issue is to make sure your boxes are sized for the 2 extra conducotrs that will be in each box. You are adding an additional 4 cubic inches of allowance needed. For example a box with 2 14-2 cables and a receptacle would calculate out as 7 conductors at 2 CI each for a total minimum capacity of 14 CI. Using the 14-3 the conductor count goes up to 9.
To figure box fill each ground counts only once, a device counts as two, each conductor counts once.
To clarify two cables with a ground in each would still be one.
To figure box fill each ground counts only once, a device counts as two, each conductor counts once.
To clarify two cables with a ground in each would still be one.
#3
02-26-11, 09:17 AM
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ok, yes, I need to count for the extra wire in box volume. But it sounds like it can be done with an unused wire capped off.
thanks
thanks
#4
02-26-11, 09:51 AM
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You could even use a 2-pole breaker, with the top and bottom on different sides of the breaker.
#5
02-26-11, 01:36 PM
Justin, what are you suggesting? Making a 240 volt circuit of this? I don't think that is what the OP had in mind. He just wants to abandon the red wire in the 14-3.
I would mention, too, while doing your switch loops, go ahead and use the 14-3, but use the red and black for the switch loop, connect the white to the neutral in your fixture, and cap it off in the switch. It is coming code, and you may be glad you did.
I would mention, too, while doing your switch loops, go ahead and use the 14-3, but use the red and black for the switch loop, connect the white to the neutral in your fixture, and cap it off in the switch. It is coming code, and you may be glad you did.
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02-26-11, 03:10 PM
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Thanks Chandler, yes I'm looking to abandon the red wire, want to make sure that I'm still within code.
What would be the purpose using the red and black for the switch loop, connecting the white in the fixture but capping it (white) off at the switch? Kind of new to wiring so I'm trying to follow/learn.
thanks
What would be the purpose using the red and black for the switch loop, connecting the white in the fixture but capping it (white) off at the switch? Kind of new to wiring so I'm trying to follow/learn.
thanks
#7
02-26-11, 03:41 PM
Thanks Chandler, yes I'm looking to abandon the red wire, want to make sure that I'm still within code.
What would be the purpose using the red and black for the switch loop, connecting the white in the fixture but capping it (white) off at the switch? Kind of new to wiring so I'm trying to follow/learn.
thanks
What would be the purpose using the red and black for the switch loop, connecting the white in the fixture but capping it (white) off at the switch? Kind of new to wiring so I'm trying to follow/learn.
thanks
See also: http://forum.doityourself.com/electr...itch-loop.html
#8
02-26-11, 04:32 PM
Using the red and black will keep you from having to tape the ends of the white wire, and will give you a neutral in the switch box for the later installation of a dimmer switch or other device that will require a neutral, where, otherwise, with only the black and remarked white, you would have no neutral. The link Ray gave will describe it in full.
#9
02-26-11, 06:41 PM
Member
Justin, what are you suggesting? Making a 240 volt circuit of this? I don't think that is what the OP had in mind. He just wants to abandon the red wire in the 14-3
#11
02-27-11, 06:27 AM
Member
You get half of the receptacle on one pole, the other half on the other pole. It's like having a 30A circut, but this is safe.
#12
02-27-11, 06:36 AM
It would work, but I'd hate the safety consequences for a homeowner. Think about it. They have a lamp on and want to change out a broken receptacle. They turn off the breaker to the lamp and dig in. Unless you know there is a MWBC there or are trained to check things out like we are, there could be a hidden danger. I like keeping it simple.
#13
02-27-11, 11:59 AM
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#14
02-27-11, 05:48 PM
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It would work, but I'd hate the safety consequences for a homeowner. Think about it. They have a lamp on and want to change out a broken receptacle. They turn off the breaker to the lamp and dig in. Unless you know there is a MWBC there or are trained to check things out like we are, there could be a hidden danger. I like keeping it simple.
