On Saturday, January 25, 2014 1:06:13 PM UTC-5, Harry K wrote:
On Saturday, January 25, 2014 7:07:01 AM UTC-8, wrote:

On Saturday, January 25, 2014 9:55:33 AM UTC-5, (PeteCresswell) wrote:

I've got an outlet box that is fed by #12 Romex backed by a 20-amp

breaker.

If I were to tap that box to feed a ceiling light, would #14 wire be

code-legal for box-to-ceiling-light?



No, unless you change the breaker to 15 amps.



That also should not be code compliant as someone could see the 12 guage wire coming off the breaker and change it back to 20amp.



Harry K

Maybe, and I see your point, but AFAIK, it's not a code violation,
unless you have a cite that says otherwise. Anyone changing a breaker
to a higher rating should only do so after checking everything on it and not
just by making assumptions.

In the case in question, I don't see all the fuss. I'd just use
12 gauge because it looks like it's about 15 ft of Romex in a
garage and as someone pointed out, the cost difference isn't much.