Good wire for bathrooms...

Ed911

I'm renovating my bathroom and have some Romex 14-2 WG, NM-B. I will be wiring my vanity lights and three switches, a GFI outlet, and a new bath fan.

I've read that I need different wire, that what I have won't work in bathrooms.

Comments...yes, no...what to use. I appreciate any help that I can get in this area.

Thanks, Ed

Jim Port

The #14 can work for the lighting and fans but cannot be used for the required 20 amp circuit to serve the GFI protected receptacle. You would need #12 for the receptacle circuit.

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

clashley

You need a 20A circuit for the bathroom GFCI (the lights can be on a separate 15A circuit). 14-2 is rated at only 15A. You need 12-2 for the 20A circuit. That being said, NM-B cable should be fine for a bathroom as long as it is properly rated and secured.

Jim Port

Is there a 11 minute delay between Maryland and Georgia?

just funning.

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

clashley

No, just a 15-minute delay between me typing a message and actually clicking "submit."

Ed911

Thanks for the info...gonna get some 12-2 for the GFI ciruit.

I take it that I'm going to have to run a new line from the box and a 20 amp breaker...12-2 is 20 amp...yes?

I have 5 GFI outlets in my house...and all are on 14-2...hmmm...do they all need to be changed to 12-2.

Thanks again...this forum has been really helpful.

Jim Port

More recent editions of the electrical code have called for 20 amp circuits for bathrooms, kitchen receptacles and laundry receptacles. Before 15 amp circuits were common, but with the increased use of blow dryers and curling irons they become too small.

Yes, #12 for 20 amp circuits.

The code is not retroactive so you can leave the old circuits as is. If you make changes to them you would need to upgrade to the newer standard.

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

Ed911

Thanks Jim...

I appreaciate your help. I have an electrician friend...and we'll take care of it.


Ed

jbfan

Electricians don't have friends!!!!!!!

What part of NC.
My MIL lives in Whiteville.

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Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

MisterZ

its always a good idea to go code+1. IMO, 14 guage wire is too small for anything running 110v
12-2 throughout, and #10 for heavier appliances. also NM is outdated.

good luck with the reno

Ed911

Thanks. Mind telling me what NM stands for and why it's outdated. Just curious. Lowe's sure has a lot of it....lol...

jbfan

I'm hoping he means mn which has been replace by mn-b
It is the code name for romex(which is a name brand)

__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

MisterZ

yes, that is what i meant

Billy_Bob

Non Metalic

jlmran

14 gauge is also too small to use on my car battery circuit going to the starter, yet it is only 12 volts. So where can we use 14 gauge?