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For example “12/2 WG” means two (black and white) 12-gauge wires plus a ground wire. Nonmetallic (NM) cable, sometimes called Romex, has two or three insulated wires plus a bare ground wire all wrapped together in plastic sheathing.
What are 12 2 wires used for?
The following NEC regulations apply to Romex conductors: Wire Gauge or Type Rated Amperage Common Uses 12-2 Romex 20 A Lighting and Outlet Circuits, refrigerator 10-2 Romex 30 A Electric water heater, baseboard heaters 10-3 Romex 30 A Electric Clothes Dryer 6/3 Cu Range Cable 50 A Range, Heatpump, On-Demand Electric Water heater.
What’s 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.
How many amps can a 12 2 wire handle?
Maximum Breaker Size is 30 amps. You can use a 20 amp circuit breaker with 12/2 Romex as 12/2 wire is rated for 20 amps.
Can 12 2 wire be used for outlets?
There is no limit to the number of outlets you may connect on a single circuit breaker, but your use of 12/2 wire limits it to a 20 amp breaker. What you need to consider is how many of those outlets will be in use at a given time and the expected current draw from what will be plugged in to them.
What does the 2 in 10 2 wire mean?
10/2 is a 10gauge (10/) hot/neutral (the /2 part) and a green or bare copper ground wire. This is used for a 110v 30 amp or lower circuit.
What Volt is 12 2 wire?
Voltage rating – 600 volts.
What does a 12-2 wire look like?
12-2 wire usually has a black, white and bare ground wire. Sometimes the white is red instead for 220V circuits without neutral. In the latter case, the sheath is usually red too. 12-3 wire usually has a black, red, white and bare ground wire.
Can you use 12-2 Romex for lights?
2 Answers. As long as you have a 15A circuit breaker on that circuit, it’s OK to use 12/2 NM cable for your lights.
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.
What is the purpose of 12 2 2 Romex?
Non-metallic sheathed NM-B cable is used in normally dry installations in residential wiring, as branch circuits for outlets, lighting and other residential loads.12-2-2 NM-B Cable Specifications*: Cable Type NM-B # of Conductors 4 Conductors w/ Ground Conductor Material Bare Copper Ampacity 20 Jacket Color Yellow.
When would you use a 12 3 wire?
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.
Will a 12-2 wire carry 30 amps?
Can You Use a 12-2 AWG for 30 Amps Circuit. Yes, based on the National Electric Code or NEC, you can use 12-2 AWG cables for THHN or THWN-rated wires. These cables are made for general purposes and can hold up to 194 degrees without taking any damage.
Can I use 12 gauge wire on a 30 amp breaker?
You should not use a 30-amp circuit breaker on a 12-gauge wire. The circuit breaker installed on a circuit is of a specific size to protect a certain wire gauge. This higher current can damage the thinner wire, melt the insulation, cause short circuits, fire, and even lethal shock.
Will 12 gauge wire carry 20 amps?
RULES OF THUMB “Twelve-gauge wire is good for 20 amps, 10-gauge wire is good for 30 amps, 8-gauge is good for 40 amps, and 6-gauge is good for 55 amps,” and “The circuit breaker or fuse is always sized to protect the conductor [wire].”Sep 18, 2017.
How many 12 2 wires can you put in a outlet box?
Capacities for two common sizes: Single Gang Boxes: A total capacity of 18 cubic inches allows for nine #14 gauge wires, eight #12 gauge wires, or seven #10 gauge wires. This is a wires-only capacity. With one device added to the box, subtract two wires in each category.
How far can you run 12 2 wire on a 15 amp breaker?
You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit.
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.
What is the difference between 14 2 wire and 12 2 wire?
A12/2 wire has two conductors and can carry 20 amps. A 14/2 wire has two wires, but can only carry 15 amps. The 14/2 wire can be used for lights or any other electrical equipment, but the load should not be more than 80% of the current capacity approximately 1500 watts.
What is the difference between 10 and 12 gauge wire?
The most common gauges are 10, 12 or 14. In other words, as the gauge number gets higher, the diameter of the wire gets smaller. For example, a 10-gauge wire is bigger than a 12-gauge wire. Larger wires can carry more amperage and wattage than smaller wires.
Does 10 3 have a ground?
10/3 cable contains 3 live wires as well as a ground wire. In contrast, the cable used to power your light switches and wall sockets is typically 10/2 wire, which has only 2 live wires and a ground wire.
