Do you need an electrician?

[Marc D. Shunk]

http://www.copper.org/applications/e...al_mailer.html

[Barry Adair]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

http://www.copper.org/applications/e...al_mailer.html

Marc,

Great info to pass on to clients

thanx

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Thanks for the link...

[Billy Boerner]

Great find Marc.

Bill

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

http://www.copper.org/applications/e...al_mailer.html

Thanks Marc...as usual, you're always helpful..!!!

[pdickerson]

"Although 14-gage wire is allowed for many circuits, it's smart to install heavier 12-gage wiring, which costs a little more but can handle more electrical current, making it safer and more energy-efficient."


I do not agree with this at all. 12 AWG wire is not safer and more energy efficient than 14 AWG wire. One could make an arguement that 14 AWG is safer because it is installed on a breaker that will trip at a lower threshold.

[Greg Fretwell]

Paul, copper.org is saying you should use 12ga on your 15a breakers.
Remember they sell copper for a living. Of course when you safety factor 240.4(D) imposes on 14ga and 12ga wire that is really super overkill. (166% of it's 60c rating at full 15a load)

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

Of course when you safety factor 240.4(D) imposes on 14ga and 12ga wire that is really super overkill. (166% of it's 60c rating at full 15a load)

Yeah, I love it when folks try to sell the old "it's safer" BS when suggesting #12 on a 15A breaker.

[Ian Gills]

I like the tingly feel of a light switch. It helps me find it in the dark.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by pdickerson

"Although 14-gage wire is allowed for many circuits, it's smart to install heavier 12-gage wiring, which costs a little more but can handle more electrical current, making it safer and more energy-efficient."


I do not agree with this at all. 12 AWG wire is not safer and more energy efficient than 14 AWG wire. One could make an arguement that 14 AWG is safer because it is installed on a breaker that will trip at a lower threshold.

Just like anything you read... take it for what it's worth. This link comes from the copper trade association, so they'd really like to sell more copper. That's sorta their whole goal. I'm sure they could really care less about safety and energy efficiency; they just want to sell copper. The link is neat reading, in any event.

[Jae Williams]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Yeah, I love it when folks try to sell the old "it's safer" BS when suggesting #12 on a 15A breaker.

Actaually, I find it disturbing...and I dislike it. A lot...