I need some opinions. I just ran another dedicated 15 amp line for my theatre... using 3 wire, 12 gauge romex.

I have a friend that says I should use 14 gauge instead of 12 gauge? I don't grasp that idea so can anyone please explain it to me?

Why is the thicker 12 gauge not good for the 15amp? As far as I know, it should be fine but I need peace of mind



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Play it LoUd!!

Does your friend sell 14 gauge (and not 12 gauge) wire?
I would go with the 12 gauge over the 14 gauge, all else being equal.

Paul


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the 1derful1

He's going thru an electrician school..and his manual supposedly states that 14 is for a 15 amp, and 12 is for a 20amp.

I begged him to re-read it because I bet it says those are minimum gauges. He is right now, on aol IM telling me to change the wire because the 12 gauge is too thick for the 15amp breaker...

LOL, that makes no sense!
Thanks Paul, anymore input is appreciated.

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Play it LoUd!!

Code in my city calls for 12 gauge for all. Looks like I did this correct

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Play it LoUd!!

...you definitely did it right. his book probably indicates that 14 ga. is 'acceptable' on a 15A line. 12 ga. is better.

He probably doesn't realize that 12 gauge is thicker than 14 gauge. The smaller number may have thrown him for a (ground) loop.

Jeff

"The smaller number may have thrown him for a (ground) loop."

It threw me over backwards, when my Dad took me Skeet shooting and I learned a 12g has a kick a 16 does not. The lesson stuck, 12g packs umph...