Recently ran into a dilemma with regards to the proper breaker on a circuit. The simple branch circuit contains a 12-2 w/g feed that has a 14-3 w/g branch from into. Thus creating two circuits from the single 12-2 wire. The debate among elder electricains (who know the code quite well) and inspectors is whether or not the the circuit is to be protected with a 20 amp or a 30 amp fuse. First inclination is that you default to your weakest link and install the 15 amp breaker to protect the 14 gauge wire. However, inspectors in the business for years and some local electricians feel that the circuit can be protected by the 20 amp breaker and meet code. I remember looking this up in the 1996 NEC code and finding support for this. Does anyone have any idea about this? Joe?
