Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
To answer your question about the ROMEX gauge, 15 amp circuits use 14 ga ROMEX and 20 amp circuits use 12 ga ROMEX. Go to the circuit breaker panel, determine what size circuit breaker is in the circuit, use ROMEX of that appropriate size.
As a warning: Using 14 ga ROMEX in a 20 amp circuit "could cause a fire hazard" as the wiring may get too hot before the circuit breaker opens.
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Yeah, I see that a lot in house wiring. Residential codes around here stipulate 12 ga and 20 amp outlets for kitchens, but I use pretty much all 12 in my own stuff except for lights. Sort of the "no replacement for displacement" idea, reinforced by extension cords feeling hot to the touch near the plugs, and the weakest link theory. I've seen a good bit of aluminum wire as well, which was popular a while back. Scary stuff, with all the demands of modern living trying to be supplied with wiring barely adequate at time of installation.
Here's hoping for a quick and low cost solution to the problem!