12/2 and 14/2 on the same circuit

[jjscott]

I'm doing some temporary wiring for lighting in my garage. Existing lights are wired with 14/2 and I need to add two more lights to the circuit, but I only have 12/2 wire left over from another project. Can I mix the two different gauges on the same circuit without any issue? All of the lights will be re-wired in the next two weeks or so. I just want to get a feel for how bright it will be out there with the two additional lights.

 

[PCustoms]

What size breaker is the 14/2 connected to?

 

[jdm5]

The existing lights are 14/2 - that means they should be connected to a 15 amp breaker. Assuming so then it’s no issue to use 12/2.

If it’s connected to a 20a breaker you have an existing problem.

 

[jjscott]

It's connected to a 15 amp breaker.

 

[jdm5]

Then yes, it's totally fine.

 

[RVDan]

There's never any problem using larger wire.

 

[rburke65]

Run all the 12-2 ya want on that 15 amp. breaker. No problem.