What wire size should i use for room inside shop??

[Tim Fitzgerald]

I am just talking lights here. Two of the lights will have a fan and the remainder most likely can lights. My question is do I get the 14 ga romex with single or two conductors.. If I need two conductors, what scenario would i use the second conductor?? Im not having any two way switches or anything like that ....

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Normally you would use either 14/2 w/grd or 12/2 w/grd, meaning two conductors, white and black, and a bare ground. For a simple lighting circuit, 14 would probably suffice, with a 15 amp breaker, but some localities do not allow 14 gauge to be used anywhere, so you need to check to see what your local codes call out.

Other than that, do a simple load calculation to assure yourself that you don't exceed 12 amps on a 15 amp circuit, or 16 amps on a 20 amp circuit and you will be fine. Lighting is considered a continuous load (generally) and thus the 80% rule.

Charles

 

[larry_g]

If you have ceiling fans with lights then you can use 14/3 with a red/black/white conductors with bare ground. The 14/3 allows you to control the light and the fan separately. If the fan is without light then 14/2 works

 

[Tim Fitzgerald]

OK..., thanks guys for the input..., I was just thinking and as I have already found out 12 ga and 20amp breaker is a little much for lights only...

I am new to this but the 12 ga is a beast to work with inside the boxes. I definately run 12 ga / 20 amp for outlets though

 

[rburke65]

And don't think the by cutting the 12ga. wire shorter it will make it easier to "stuff" the wires into the electrical box. You can leave them 9""....10" long and it's easier to fold the wires into the box.

 

[Tim Fitzgerald]

Ahhhhhhh, rburke65..., I tried doing exactly that...., its all new to me and im learning valuable lessons as i go

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Preform your wires in a Z or S fold and then they will accordion right into the box when you install the device. Many times I run the wire all the way around the inside of the box once in order to leave more wire in there. Too much is easy to work with, but next time around, too little is no good to work with.

Charles