1. I am installing a light above a shower. I plan to get the power from a GFCI outlet in the bathroom (20 amp circuit dedicated to bathroom), which is the last outlet on the circuit. Can I use 14 gauge wire from the outlet to the light and switch since it will only carry current to one light bulb, or do I need to use 12 gauge wire since it is on a 20 amp circuit?
2. I need to wire a 3-way switch. Instead of using 14-3 cable between the switches (another $15), can I use one wire in a second 14-2 cable as the traveler (I have plenty extra)?
Thanks,
Paul
Replies
There may be some specific exemptions I'm not familiar with, but in general the answer is no to both questions.
Well, may depend....
.....on your electrical inspector.
1) #14 wire in a 20A protected circuit? - no, in anybody's book.
2) 2 runs of 14-2 rather than 1 run 14-3? This one will fly here with a couple of provisions:
1st run of 14-2 gets installed normally; 2nd run of 14-2 gets the black wire recoded to red at both ends; white gets capped with a crimped-on closed end connector, ground gets twisted together with all the other grounds as per SOP.
The inspector told us that many overhead light installations, in bedrooms most frequently, are roughed-in with a fan rated ceiling box and 14-3 cable to allow installation of a ceiling fan w/ light. Then instead of a fan / light a standard light fixture is installed. The unused red conductor is crimp-on capped and coiled in both boxes for possible future fan installation.
He failed to see the difference between to two installations; both have an extra conductor present in the boxes and a connected ground present in all cable sheathes. Not the neatest installation but acceptable.
Bottom line - check with your inspector on #2.
Jim
There are ways to interpret the code as requiring all wires of a circuit to run within a single sheath. But there are all sorts of qualifications on that rule.
No and no.