On Mar 26, 2:30�pm, "Joseph Meehan"
wrote:
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

Come home resale time a nosy inspector will find it.

As you do the job the 2nd time you will have learned a lesson and will
avoid doing the same misrtake again