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wrote:

Dear RMB,

I am reducing the wire size downstream from 12 to 14 AWG on the 15 amp
breaker for the portion of the circuit without a shared neutral (see
full description previously posted). Based on what others say there is
no code issue here. Your argument that later no one will know not to
put a 20 amp breaker in in the future is false. They will know because
there is currently a 15 amp breaker installed so they need to find out
why before switching to a 20 amp breaker. You just can't go replacing
15 amp breakers with 20 amp breakers or 20 amp with 30 amp based on the
wire size entering the main panel. Unless you can provide some other
argument for your statement other than the debunked argument above I am
going to proceed as planned.

Thanks,
William

If some idiot does replace the 15A breaker with a 20, it's not all that
dangerous in this case. IIRC, the ampacity of #14 UF cable is 20A even
though the code limits you to 15A. The #14 cable is underground, so if
it does get overloaded it has a nice heat sink to protect it for a
while, and if it ultimately burns up it will not start a fire because
it's buried.

Tape a little card inside the panel cover that says "Breaker #5 is 15A
because the circuit contains a mix of 12 and 14 ga wire", or write
something to that effect with a Sharpie.

Best regards,
Bob