Table of Contents
- 1 Can I use a 20 amp breaker with 12 gauge wire?
- 2 How far can 12 2 wire run?
- 3 What size wire is required for 20 amps?
- 4 What wire should I use for a 20 amp breaker?
- 5 Does underground wire have to be in conduit?
- 6 What size breaker do I need for a 20 amp bathroom?
- 7 Can you plug a 12 gauge wire into a 30 amp breaker?
Can I use a 20 amp breaker with 12 gauge wire?
Aluminum is rated 20 amps. Most common types of insulation are rated to 20 or 25 amps, none are rated less. So yes, a 20-amp breaker can safely be used on a circuit with either 12 gauge insulated copper or aluminum wire.
How far can 12 2 wire run?
You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit. That number drops to 50 feet if you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit.
What size breaker do you need for 12 2 wire?
The 20 amp circuit breaker with 12/2 cable and 15 amp duplex receptacles allows for a total sustainable power consumption of 1,920 watts (20 amp x 80\% x 120 volts) as opposed to 1,440 watts (15 amp x 80\% x 120 volts).
What wire do you use for 20 amps?
A 20-amp circuit, protected by a 20-amp breaker or fuse, must be served by 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire.
What size wire is required for 20 amps?
What wire should I use for a 20 amp breaker?
12-gauge
Why Wire Gauge Is Important
| Wire Use | Rated Ampacity | Wire Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Low-voltage lighting and lamp cords | 10 amps | 18-gauge |
| Extension cords (light-duty) | 13 amps | 16-gauge |
| Light fixtures, lamps, lighting circuits | 15 amps | 14-gauge |
| Kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor receptacles (outlets); 120-volt air conditioners | 20 amps | 12-gauge |
Can I wire my house with 12 2?
Yes, it is okay to use 12-2 cable to supply lighting fixtures. The other answer indicates that it even with 12-2 you have to use a 15A breaker for lighting circuits which is not strictly correct. If the entire circuit is 12AWG (other than fixture wires), then a 20A breaker may be used.
What wire should I use for 20 amp breaker?
Amperage and Wire Gauge Building codes based on the National Electrical Code prohibit the use of 14-gauge wire anywhere on a 20-amp circuit. All wiring in such circuits must be 12-gauge or larger.
Does underground wire have to be in conduit?
There’s one restriction: It needs a conduit where the cable is exposed on the outside of the house and to 18 inches below the ground. Burying the cable 24 inches requires more digging, so this method only makes sense if you have easy-to-dig soil or are renting a trench digger.
What size breaker do I need for a 20 amp bathroom?
You are right on target with a 20 amp breaker and 12/2 with ground. You don’t want 15 amps in bathrooms or kitchens due to heavy current draws from appliances and hair dryers. A 20 amp circuit in your bathroom should allow you to draw about 1900 watts safely (120v x 20 amps x 80\%).
Can I use 12-2 wire to wire a bathroom?
So if it’s copper then your 12–2 cable would be OK. Be sure to use a receptacle outlet rated for 20 amps. 12–2 can’t be used to wire an entire bathroom. You cannot run the lights, ventilation fa, or heater from the same circuit that has the GFI receptacle.
Can a 12-2 wire be used to wire a 20-amp outlet?
So this circuit can supply the 20-amp receptacle outlets in one or more bathrooms but nothing else (no lights, e.g.) or it can supply all the power to everything in one single bathroom. So if it’s copper then your 12–2 cable would be OK. Be sure to use a receptacle outlet rated for 20 amps. 12–2 can’t be used to wire an entire bathroom.
Can you plug a 12 gauge wire into a 30 amp breaker?
No. 12 gauge wire is rated for a maximum of 20 amps. You need a minimum of 10AWG wire for 30 amps. Can you use a 25 amp breaker with 12 gauge wire?