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ROMEX® 12/3 wire is used in buildings for circuits that use higher amperage than the standard 20 amps. Most people are not familiar with this type of wire because it is used to hook up heavy-draw appliances such as water heaters and central air conditioning.
What is the difference between 12-2 wire and 12 3 wire?
The designation 12/2 indicates AWG 12 wire with two conductors (AC hot and AC neutral), 12/3 indicates AWG 12 wire with three conductors (two AC hot and AC neutral). Both designations also typically include a smaller bare copper earth ground conductor.
What is the difference between Romex 12-2 and 12 3?
A 12-2 Romex will have a black(hot) and a white(neutral) wire as well as an unsheathed copper wire for ground. A 12-3 Romex will have a black(hot), red(hot), white(neutral), and bare copper. The red on a 12-3 is used for three-way light switches which are covered later.
What can 12-2 wire be used for?
14-2 can only be used for 15A circuits. 12-2 can be used for 15A circuits or 20A circuits. If you are in the US, you can use 12-2, a 20A breaker, and 15A receptacles (as long as you have more than 1 receptacle on the circuit). Its fine for 15 or 20 Amps.
Can I use 12 3 wire for a stove?
1 Answer. Not even remotely close. You need 8 gauge copper or 6 gauge aluminum wire.
Can I use 12 gauge wire for lights?
If you’re wiring a circuit on which there are both lights and outlets, or you just aren’t sure which wire gauge to use, you can’t go wrong by choosing a 12-gauge wire. It’s not quite as flexible as a 14-gauge wire, and it costs a bit more, but it’s always a safe choice on a 15- or 20-amp circuit.
How far can you run 12/3 wire 20 amp circuit?
Originally Answered: How far can you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit? About 400 feet. After that voltage drop is a factor and the gauge will have to be increased or the voltage increased.
Can you use 12 3 wire for a dryer?
It’s fine for the dryer. The washer was paid for on 12/2. A 220v/30 Amp Dryer circuit would use 10/3 with ground.
Which is the best wire for house wiring?
What is the Best Electrical Wire? Southwire Electrical Wire. – Best Overall. Tyumen Electrical Wire. – Runner Up. GS Power 16 Gauge Wire. – Honorable Mention. TUOFENG Electrical Wire. – Also Consider. Plusivo Electrical Wire. Check On Amazon. MILAPEAK Electrical Wire. Check On Amazon. Haerkn Electrical Wire. AOTORUA Electrical Wire.
Is it OK to use 12 gauge wire on a 15 amp circuit?
Because it has even less chance of overheating, 12-gauge wire is also acceptable on a 15-amp circuit.
When should I use 12 gauge wire?
Using a 12-gauge wire is a safe bet for wiring a circuit that includes both lights and outlets, or if you’re not sure which gauge to use. It is more expensive and less flexible than 14-gauge wire, but it is always a good idea to use it on a circuit rated for 15 or 20 amps.
How many watts can 12 3 wire handle?
It is more than 5000 watt at 20 and0-240 volts.
What size wire is used for hot water heater?
Electrical wires Since the generic breaker size for water heaters is 30-amps, the best wire size is a #10 American Wiring Gauge (AWG). I suggest you use a 10-2 Non-Metallic Cable (NMC) for a 30-amp 240Volt circuit.
What size wire do I need for 50 amp?
50 AMP Wire Size For a maximum of 50 amps, you’ll need a wire gauge of 6. Fifty amp breakers are most often used to power many different appliances. However, a kitchen oven can alone require 50 amps. Many electric dryers also require a 50 amp breaker.
What size wire do I need for a dryer?
The NEC requires that dryers have a dedicated circuit with a minimum of 30 amps. This calls for a 30-amp, double-pole breaker wired with 10 AWG wire.
What size wire is used in houses?
Wire Gauge The most common sizes you’ll find in residential work are 14-gauge and 12-gauge. Larger appliances such as electric stoves, electric water heaters, electric dryers and central air units will often use 10-, 8- or even 6-gauge wire.
What is 12 AWG wire used for?
12-gauge are used in kitchen, bathroom, outdoor receptacles, and 120-volt air conditioners supporting 20 amps. 10-gauge are used in electric clothes dryers, 240-volt window air conditioners, electric water heaters supporting 30 amps. 6-gauge are used for cook tops and ranges carrying 40-50 amps.
What wire is used for outlets?
Most household outlet circuits are either 15-amp or 20-amp 120-volt circuits. A circuit controlled by a 15-amp circuit breaker calls for 14-gauge NM cable and a receptacle rated for 15 amps. A circuit powered by a 20-amp circuit breaker calls for 20-amp receptacles, and it is wired with 12-gauge NM cable.
What size wire do I need to run 300 feet?
for 300 feet for 100 amp rated service I would use Aluminum direct burial 1/0-1/0-1/0-1/0, the forth can be as low as #4 for the ground (but also in conduit, even if in conduit must still be rated underground wire and required by code also) Also note the size wire the breaker can handle, cannot cut strands to make fit, Jul 28, 2014.
