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Mixing 14/2 and 12/2 wire on one circuit?

31K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  Jim Port 
#1 ·
I am doing a bathroom remodel and have a 20 AMP circuit with only a single outlet and 12/2 wire. I have two other outlets that are already wired with 14/2 wire. I would like to put the outlets on the same circuit and wondering if it is okay to mix the 14/2 and 12/2 wires on the same circuit IF I swap out the breaker to a 15 AMP. I've calculated the load and the 15 AMP would be sufficient.

I know I could not mix in the 14/2 on teh 20 AMP circuit but I believe it is okay to mix them on the 15AMP.
 
#3 ·
Where are you located? Codes will vary by location.

Here in the states one is required to have one of the following scenarios for bathrooms:

1)OUTLETS in multiple bathrooms can be on a shared 20 amp circuit.

OR

2) You can have a dedicated 20 amp circuit for ONE bathroom's outlets, lights, fan, etc on one.

But in the case you suggest you would not be meeting current code standards only having 15amp capacity.
 
#8 ·
You will not find it in the code book Dierte.

i would not remove 1/4 of the circuit capacity just to keep the 14-2 in the circuit. Remove it and keep the 20 amp capacity.
 
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#2 ·
you can run wire above code minimums without issue, but your capacity on the circuit is related to the smallest conductor on the circuit. Sounds like you have determined this is not an issue for you, and you might save a few bucks by using material you have in stock vs buy a new roll of wire when you only needed a few feet.
 
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