Wiring Garage lights question

[DIY Rookie]

So I have some fluorescent T8 lights I need to hardwire and hang. I have a 20 amp breaker for my garage. Can I use a 14/2 wire to hardwire the lights or does it have to be 12/2? The lights will only be on periodically and for not long periods of time. I would day at the most they would maybe be on a couple hours at the longest at a time and that won't be often. So just wanting to know if I use 14/2 will be ok or not? Looking for some advice. Thank u.

 

[exranger06]

No. 14 gauge wire = 15 amp breaker maximum. Period! How long or how often they're used is irrelevant.

 

[DIY Rookie]

No. 14 gauge wire = 15 amp breaker maximum. Period! How long or how often they're used is irrelevant.

Ok so I need to use a 12/2 extension cord than?

 

[Stuart in MN]

They're permanent lights, you can't use an extension cord.

 

[DIY Rookie]

They're permanent lights, you can't use an extension cord.

OK so what wire should I get and do you recommend?

 

[exranger06]

12 gauge is only good for up to 20 amps. You'd need to use 10 gauge wire if you want to use the 25 amp breaker. Which is getting ridiculous. You'd be better off spending $10 on a 15 amp breaker and use the 14 gauge you have. I'm not sure if you're even allowed to have lighting on a 25 amp circuit.
I'm assuming the 14/2 wire you have is Nm-b wire (aka Romex)? That's the type of wire you want to use, unless it's subject to physical damage.

 

[DIY Rookie]

12 gauge is only good for up to 20 amps. You'd need to use 10 gauge wire if you want to use the 25 amp breaker. Which is getting ridiculous. You'd be better off spending $10 on a 15 amp breaker and use the 14 gauge you have. I'm not sure if you're even allowed to have lighting on a 25 amp circuit.
I'm assuming the 14/2 wire you have is Nm-b wire (aka Romex)? That's the type of wire you want to use, unless it's subject to physical damage.

My garage is wired with 12/2 so what do u recommend? I had a 15 amp breaker for my garage but it would trip with the lights on and me using my air compressor so my brother in law whos an electrician said to go to a 20 amp breaker. Since I have my GFI hasn't tripped.

 

[DIY Rookie]

Sorry guys I meant my garage has a 20 amp breaker not 25. I corrected it.

 

[DIY Rookie]

12 gauge is only good for up to 20 amps. You'd need to use 10 gauge wire if you want to use the 25 amp breaker. Which is getting ridiculous. You'd be better off spending $10 on a 15 amp breaker and use the 14 gauge you have. I'm not sure if you're even allowed to have lighting on a 25 amp circuit.
I'm assuming the 14/2 wire you have is Nm-b wire (aka Romex)? That's the type of wire you want to use, unless it's subject to physical damage.

Sorry I meant I have a 20 amp not 25 amp breaker

 

[exranger06]

12/2 wire is fine to use with a 20 amp breaker.

 

[DIY Rookie]

12/2 wire is fine to use with a 20 amp breaker.

Ok ty.. I appreciate it

 

[Rbreddin]

My garage is wired with 12/2 so what do u recommend? I had a 15 amp breaker for my garage but it would trip with the lights on and me using my air compressor so my brother in law whos an electrician said to go to a 20 amp breaker. Since I have my GFI hasn't tripped.

are you sure that your garage is wired with 12/2? (im only asking because it wouldn't be normal to wire a circuit with 12/2 and then put a 15A breaker on it, unless the load on the circuit is a very long way from the breaker.)

 

[DIY Rookie]

are you sure that your garage is wired with 12/2? (im only asking because it wouldn't be normal to wire a circuit with 12/2 and then put a 15A breaker on it, unless the load on the circuit is a very long way from the breaker.)

Yes I'm positive its ab12/2 wire going from my house to my garage.

 

[Rbreddin]

Yes I'm positive its ab12/2 wire going from my house to my garage.

 

[DIY Rookie]

They're permanent lights, you can't use an extension cord.

Can I ask why I can't wire an extension cord for the T8 lights? I admit, I am clueless with electrical, but and I've used extension cords to wire the lights before with no issues. Just trying to understand why you're not supposed to use extension cords. Thank you.

 

[cybrdyke]

Can I ask why I can't wire an extension cord for the T8 lights? I admit, I am clueless with electrical, but and I've used extension cords to wire the lights before with no issues. Just trying to understand why you're not supposed to use extension cords. Thank you.

The short answer is because the National Electric Code says so.

Just a few thoughts:
Lighting is supposed to be a permanent installation. Cords are made for temporary use. The connections should be permanent (wago, wire nuts, etc) inside a junction box, not exposed like the cord ends would be.
Permanent wire is sized based on the breaker. If extension cords are used, it's quite possible that the cord will be of a size that larger than is acceptable for the breaker.
Extension cords wont be installed, attached and supported properly or up to code requirements.
All of the above can present a fire hazard.

Will extension cords work? Yes.
Is it the best way? No.
Good luck,
CD

 

[DIY Rookie]

The short answer is because the National Electric Code says so.

Just a few thoughts:
Lighting is supposed to be a permanent installation. Cords are made for temporary use. The connections should be permanent (wago, wire nuts, etc) inside a junction box, not exposed like the cord ends would be.
Permanent wire is sized based on the breaker. If extension cords are used, it's quite possible that the cord will be of a size that larger than is acceptable for the breaker.
Extension cords wont be installed, attached and supported properly or up to code requirements.
All of the above can present a fire hazard.

Will extension cords work? Yes.
Is it the best way? No.
Good luck,
CD

Thank you CD. I was just curious the reasoning. I have had a couple fluorescent lights wired with just some extension cords for years with no problems. I understand that is not the correct way. I got my hands on a couple more that I want to install in my garage. I think I am going to wire them the correct way this time even though I had no issue before. Better to be safe than sorry.

Another question. I have a 20 amp breaker for my garage. Can I use 14/2 wire to save some money? Or because its a 20 amp I have to use 12/2? Also, can you recommend or post a link of what wire that is inexpensive that I could use for these lights. Thank you

 

[alfredeneuman]

Or because its a 20 amp I have to use 12/2?

Yes X 1,000