14 AWG must be protected at 15A, according to NEC 240.4(D)(3). 14 AWG can't be used on a circuit with a 20A breaker. The screw terminals are the better choice if you want to put 15 Amp receptacle on a 20 Amp circuit with 12 gauge wire. You can use the side terminals.
How far can you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?
You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit. That number drops to 50 feet if you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit.
What wire do I use for a 20 amp circuit?
A 20-amp circuit, protected by a 20-amp breaker or fuse, must be served by 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire.
What happens if you use 14 2 wire on a 20 amp circuit?
It is generally NOT okay to have a 20A circuit breaker on a circuit that has any 14 gauge wire -- and most homeowners won't run into the exceptions. If there's any #14 wire anywhere downstream, you must use a 15A breaker to protect that wire.
What size wire is required for 20 amps?
Building codes based on the National Electrical Code prohibit the use of 14-gauge wire anywhere on a 20-amp circuit. All wiring in such circuits must be 12-gauge or larger.
How many amps will 14 2 wire carry?
14/2 wire can safely be used on circuits with an amperage up to 15 amps. It is dangerous and illegal to use 14/2 wire on a 20-amp circuit. Choosing the correct wire gauge based on your circuit amperage is essential to safe wiring. 15 amps is the maximum amperage 14/2 wire can safely conduct.
Can 14 AWG handle 20 amps?
14 AWG must be protected at 15A, according to NEC 240.4(D)(3). 14 AWG can't be used on a circuit with a 20A breaker. The screw terminals are the better choice if you want to put 15 Amp receptacle on a 20 Amp circuit with 12 gauge wire.
How far will 12 gauge wire carry 20 amps?
You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit. That number drops to 50 feet if you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit.