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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 should I use 12-2 wire?
In a nutshell in home wiring 12–2 is used for up to 20 A circuits and 14–2 is only good for up to 15 Amps. In general, when a 20 A breaker is installed you must use 12–2 wire and you can’t have sub-branches going off for lighting with jus 14–2 even if the lights are not expected to draw more than 15 A.
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 mean in 12-2 wire?
The first number specifies the gauge. The second the number of current carrying conductors in the wire – but remember there’s usually an extra ground wire. “12-2” means 12 gauge, two insulated current carrying wires, plus a bare ground. 12-2 wire usually has a black, white and bare ground wire.
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. AWG 12/2 is used for a single breaker 120V 20A max circuits.
How many lights can I put on 12-2 wire?
How many lights can be put on a 12-2 gauge wire? Now that you know why you should use 12-2 gauge wires. So for a 12-2 gauge wire, the number of lights will be (30×15) 450 watts. So you can load 450 watts on your 12-2 gauge wires.
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.
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 2 wire underground?
You can run 50′ on a 12 gauge wire. I can’t imagine why you would want to run a number 12 any further than 50′. If you have to go that far you are better to have 30–50+ amp with 2 phases’ and a sub panel with breakers. This way you can run multiple things.
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.
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.
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.
Can I put Romex in conduit?
No, you can not run your Romex wiring in conduits.
What type of wire is Romex?
Sometimes known as “Romex,” named for one of the common brand names, NM cable is a flexible electrical cable that features an outer plastic sheathing that protects two or more insulated conductors, as well as a bare copper ground wire.
Is Romex wiring safe?
Knob and Tube wiring and aluminum wiring are old and unsafe, period. Romex wire is one of the better and safer alternatives for the following reasons: Presence of a ground wire. Sheathing is flame-resistant and heat resistant, able to withstand a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you use 12 2 wire to run 220?
It’s really about their ampacity (current carrying capacity under normal conditions). Perhaps you mean 12/2 wire to be used with 220 Volts power supply.so,yes you can. size of conducting wire is independent of the voltage with which it has to be used. Higher the voltage, more is the thickness of the insulation.
What kind of Romex is used for outlets?
The following NEC regulations apply to Romex conductors: Wire Gauge or Type Rated Amperage Common Uses 14-2 Romex 15 A Lighting Circuits 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.
Is all 12 2 wire the same?
12–2 is 12 gauge, 2 conductor, with ground. The gauge is the thickness of the individual wires. There should be no difference in thickness.
What type of wire is used for outdoor lighting?
Common wires for landscape lighting are 10-, 12-, 14-, or 16-gauge wires. We recommend 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire for long distances. This is to prevent voltage drop.
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.
Is 12-gauge wire always yellow?
Yellow color-coded cable sheathing encloses 12-gauge wires. Yellow 12-gauge cable is typically used for 20-amp circuits that power general household outlets used for a variety of plug-in appliances. Dedicated appliance circuits also call for 20-amp circuits in most cases.
