14-2 branch off 12-2 on 20A Breaker

Superchunk

I have 12-2 romex coming into my garage to feed a door opener, an outlet and a light (on 20A breaker).

However, the line from the junction box to the light is 14-2. There is no receptacle or anything at that light - it's just a light. Is this allowed?

On the one hand, it's 14-2 on a 20A breaker, which is against code. On the other hand, it's just a light and isn't carrying much current/load. I'm hoping the use of 14-2 is allowed for cases like this.

- Mike

jbfan

Against code, so needs to be replaced.

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n0c7

Weird thing with lights is that you often end up with fixtures that use 18AWG stranded wire. Why is this allowed but a 14/2 on a 20AMP circuit to a light is not? I can only assume the reasoning is that someone can alter what is at the end of that 14/2.

k_buz

or extend it.

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Dave632

Much code is written to account for situations where something goes wrong, rather than when things are going as designed/intended.

Suppose someone inadvertently drives a nail through that 14-2 cable, creating a fault that draws... oh.... 19.5 amps. That won't trip the breaker, but that exceeds the safe capacity of #14 wire. The wire will get warm, and maybe even hot enough to ignite something. Maybe not in your garage, but in the wall cavity of someone who has some really dry furring strips.

Jim Port

The insulation on the fixture wires is different from the type used on building wires. This allows for a higher ampacity rating. The fixture load is also a known value.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

zeke11

Do nyou really need the 20 amp breaker?
If not substitute a 15 amper .