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Posted By: Anonymous 15 or 20 Amp Dilemma? - 12/17/01 09:49 PM
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?
Posted By: Joe Tedesco Re: 15 or 20 Amp Dilemma? - 12/17/01 10:16 PM
See the *Note under Table 310-16 and Section 240-3. See also Section 110-14(c).
Posted By: Redsy Re: 15 or 20 Amp Dilemma? - 12/18/01 01:02 AM
15 amp protection. This is similar to installing 15 amp branch ckt. wiring and using #12 for the homerun. It is a 15 amp ckt.
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