Wire gauge question

[peterj]

I have 12 gauge wire coming in to my storage building for an outlet and overhead light and I want to add a outside sensor light side. Can I run a 14 gauge wire to the 12 gauge circuit without any problems or should I stay with 12 gauge wire the ten feet it will take to do the job.
Thanks for the help,
Pete

 

[dougmac]

You can only run 14 gauge if the circuit is protected by a 15 amp breaker. If it is a 12 gauge wire it is probably a 20 amp circuit and you would not want to use 14 gauge wire.

 

[avc8130]

Stick with the 12. Can't go wrong.
ac

 

[peterj]

Thanks guys, I went and checked the breaker and it is a thirty amp so I guess I now know why my electrician ran the 12 gauge to the storage building. I'll run 12 gauge as per your advice and follow that rule on futher projects.
Thanks again,
Pete

 

[lametec]

He should have ran a 10 gauge wire. 12 ga is only good for 20A.

 

[peterj]

I'll just change to a twenty amp breaker since there isn't anything drawing power on that circuit but lights, pressure relief valve and battery minder.
Thanks,
PJ