This may sound like a simple question, but it’s always perplexed me.
Is it wrong to use a gauge wire that’s too thick? Obviously you don’t want to be undersized, buy is it a problem to be oversized?
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Replies
Besides confusing the next one along the path of your work nd the breaker is sized accordingly..no.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
What are dreadlocks made from?
Everything is a trade.
On spacecraft the $12,000 a pound to get it to orbit is a big minus. On aircraft there is a lot of fuel spent over the life of the plane to haul the extra weight aloft a few times a day.
For homeowners, cost is probably the biggest detriment, also harder to pull in conduit or route.
As far as getting electricity to the load, bigger is better if other trade offs dont interfere, like a 4 AWG does not fit standard outlet screws to well, etc.
I'm doing the rerouting of a few outlets, lights, disposal, dishwasher, standard outlets, etc.
The disposal and washer are on a 20 amp circuit and the others are on a 15 amp circuit. From both comments so far, it sounds like I can just buy the 10 g wire for the 20 amp and not worry about differentiating between 10 g and 12 g. I'm only running a few new runs and it would be cheaper to buy just one wire type. (I don't plan on carrying my kitchen on my next flight).
thanks,Joe
you'd be best to run 12 for all 20 amps, and yes you can use 12 for 15 , but, I think 10 for 20 is over kill. An a LOT more hassel.
Buy one wire size? go 12. It is common here. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
What are dreadlocks made from?
Just bought 200' of 12 g armoured cable. I'm good to go.
Thanks for the help and the quick responses.
don't forget the red bushings"
The only reason you might use a larger gauge is if the circuit is very long.... maybe more than 100 feet or so. There is voltage drop in longer runs and sometimes a cable upsize is required. If you Google for voltage drop you can find an online calculator.
smaller boxes fill up real fast with 10 ga. also