silly question

[Mike Honcho]

Can i feed my lights off a 20 amp outlet using 12 gauge to the switch box, and then 14/3 to to the lights? Or do i have to change everything to the lights to 12/3? LLights are already there, but they are on a circuit all by themselves, and there is an outlet right underneath the switch box. Thanks in advance.


Chris

 

[thewatusi]

If you change the breaker for the outlet circuit to 15amp then you can. Otherwise all wire connected to a 20amp breaker must be 12awg or larger.

 

[nadogail]

The dumb questions are much easier to handle than the dumb mistakes.

 

[larry_g]

The simple way to know what to do is remember the breaker is there to protect the WIRE. So the breaker has to be sized to protect the smallest wire.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Can i feed my lights off a 20 amp outlet using 12 gauge to the switch box, and then 14/3 to to the lights? Or do i have to change everything to the lights to 12/3? LLights are already there, but they are on a circuit all by themselves, and there is an outlet right underneath the switch box. Thanks in advance.


Chris

How many switches do u have?

If only one, then why are u using 3 conductor NM-b to feed the lights?

And if the breaker feeding the 20a outlet is 20a(which it should be), then no u cant use #14 NM-b, unless u change the breaker to a 15a rated breaker...

 

[creativecars]

The dumb questions are much easier to handle than the dumb mistakes.

This is quotable...

 

[Mike Honcho]

How many switches do u have?

If only one, then why are u using 3 conductor NM-b to feed the lights?

And if the breaker feeding the 20a outlet is 20a(which it should be), then no u cant use #14 NM-b, unless u change the breaker to a 15a rated breaker...

2 3 way switches. Looks like I'll rewire the lights to. Thanks fur the help guys.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

2 3 way switches. Looks like I'll rewire the lights to. Thanks fur the help guys.

Well that changes everything.

And here we thought u were using a single pole switch.

U will need 2 conductor feeding the source switch. Past that it depends on how the switches and fixtures are connected...