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Joseph Meehan

wrote:
On Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:17:05 -0400, "Em" wrote:

I added a light fixture to an existing 20A 12awg circuit, and didn't
realize I used 14awg romex until I was done. The new fixture
wouldn't overload even a 15A circuit, so a) are you gonna tell me I
have to fix my error and put in the larger cable, and b) why is
that? Thanks

Is it a code violation, certainly.
Will your house explode in flames? no.
14ga wire will carry 20a all day long, even at the 60c rating. 310.16
says so

At least in theory which is why there is a safety factor built into the
code.

BUT 240.4(D) says you shall protect it with a 15a breaker to
build in the 80% safety factor. If the real load is limited to a
single luminaire it is not really a hazard but it is still against
code.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia 's Muire duit