Some will argue the level of risk, but it is a code violation. Change the breaker to 15 amp or replace the wiring.
1990s wiring
Recently, we have had some time to work on our new house (1990s home) and I found a very interesting thing.
On a 20amp circuit breaker the wiring looks to be 14ga.... from what I have read and understand this is a huge problem and all wiring should be 12ga
Since understanding that 20amp breakers are to be ran on 12ga wire I have installed 8 recessed led lights using the 12ga wire and spliced into the 14ga. only one wire was spliced to fit 6 lights and one wire to splice 2 in the dinning room.
My question is this, is my house at risk with the two gauges mismatched and if using a 20amp breaker, but all the wire is 14ga, would I need to replace all wiring?
Thank you for your time,
On a 20amp circuit breaker the wiring looks to be 14ga.... from what I have read and understand this is a huge problem and all wiring should be 12ga
Since understanding that 20amp breakers are to be ran on 12ga wire I have installed 8 recessed led lights using the 12ga wire and spliced into the 14ga. only one wire was spliced to fit 6 lights and one wire to splice 2 in the dinning room.
My question is this, is my house at risk with the two gauges mismatched and if using a 20amp breaker, but all the wire is 14ga, would I need to replace all wiring?
Thank you for your time,
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
the panel probably had a 15 amp breaker and someone put the 20 amp in because they were running something that kept blowing the 15 amp, change it back to the 15 and be safe..
Okay but what about the splicing of 12/2 to already wired 14/2?
How dangerous is this and it's obviously a code violation correct?
How dangerous is this and it's obviously a code violation correct?
IMO it is not really "dangerous", but it IS a violation that could potentially be dangerous, and should be remedied.Okay but what about the splicing of 12/2 to already wired 14/2?
How dangerous is this and it's obviously a code violation correct?
If this is just for lighting change the breaker to 15 and be done with it.
What do you mean "splicing"? All connections must be made inside an electrical box.Okay but what about the splicing of 12/2 to already wired 14/2?
How dangerous is this and it's obviously a code violation correct?
I suggest you engage an electrician before you rely or pick advice from those who never saw your house for code violations.
Yeah, I'm going to change it to a 15 amp. Thank you all for your assistance
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
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