ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Ran 14/2 wire on 20 amp circuit

Being an Australian, I'm no expert on the NEC, but I'll give my 2 cents anyway:

Technically, 14/2 can probably handle 20A under ideal conditions (free air, not surrounded by thermal insulation, not bundled with other cables). The question, then, is what conditions you've installed it in (i.e. how far will it have to be de-rated). I'm not that familiar with the "official" ratings, however, so I'll leave other members experienced with the NEC to answer with them.

In all likelihood, what you've set up will work fine, as long as that chandelier is within the rating of the 14/2. But I'm not one who likes to take reasonably avoidable risks - however small - and I'm quite sure others here would agree. If I was doing this, I would have used the 12/2 unless I was really strapped for cash; if mainly to be consistent with the rest of the circuit (preventing any future confusion).