On 4/20/2011 3:20 PM RBM spake thus:

"David Nebenzahl" wrote in message
s.com...

On 4/20/2011 2:24 PM RBM spake thus:

"David Nebenzahl" wrote in message
.com...

On 4/20/2011 1:23 PM RBM spake thus:

"cln" wrote in message
...

My wife has ventured into cake baking and we are building a
second kitchen in a unfinished part of the basement. I did
the framing but I draw the line at electrical work so I
will be getting this done by a professional.

Here are my questions; What wire do I use for the outlets
above the countertop?

**You use 12 gauge, you need 2-20 amp circuits. You can run
2-12/2 cables or 1-12/3 cable. You can split the outlets
between the circuits any way you like.

Except that, as already noted here, you can't use 12/3 (meaning
a shared neutral) unless you put 2 circuits on an Edison
circuit. Which I would not recommend, given the potential
problems. And for what? Just spend the extra $0.25
(metaphorically speaking) and run the proper cables (2x 12/2).
Don't dick around with trying to minimize cabling.

**Using 12/3 in an Edison circuit is , and has always been a
proper way of doing it. As with anything else, done properly,
there are no "potential problems"

Well, that's true for the work that *you're* doing. But what about
the doofus who comes in after you, years later, and decides to
switch around cables in the breaker panel to make room for another
circuit, and ends up putting you properly-wired Edison circuit hots
on the same side of the service entrance?

It's been known to happen ...

There is never going to be a failsafe against stupidity. The Nec now
requires a double pole breaker on Edison circuits, which is intended to
prevent miswires. In this case, the OP is having it done by a professional,
so as long as he's not planning to screw with the wiring, there shouldn't be
an issue.

Well, yes, a double-pole breaker, *clearly marked*, would be just the
ticket.

By the way, I agree--*strongly*--with whoever said that the O.P. ought
to clear all this with the prospective electrician first.


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