OK here is the thinking. Some codes may restrict how many outlets can be put
on a circuit, some do not and future add ons can be accommodated better with a
20 amp circuit. The code does permit 15 amp devices to be used on a 20 amp
circuit. I am not using 12 3 from the panel box. only between the switches
and from one switch to the light. The reason for 12 3 from the switch to the
light is so I have a hot wire in the light box and a switched wire. The hot
wire will feed a future ceiling fan that I would not want switched. At $40 for
the required circuit breaker using three 20 amp circuit to have three circuits
makes more sense to me than having 4 or more 15 amp circuits. This eats up
panel space needlesly. My main complaint was the charging 5 times the cost of
the wire to cut it into length over the full coil price. And yes if they cut
off a 250 ft. coil they can end up with a lot of short ends, but This wire is
also put up in 1000 foot rolls so the left over end would be minimal. Just a
slick way of forcing someone to buy more than they need. a dollar a foot I
could of understood better. Well I will probably use it eventually. There are
many more projects in the file, but most hinged on the room addition coming
first. I wouldn't use the expensive arc fault breakers if I didn't have to get
this inspected. I think I have 15 20 amp breakers in my stock. From being the
supervisor at the university where I was the authority having jurisdiction and
did the inspection to having my work inspected kind of ruffles me anyway, but
codes are codes and abide I will.
Ron
----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Hodges
To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 7:22 AM
Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] room addition
Just wondering, since you were complaining about the price of the 12 - 3
wire.
First of all, Couldn't you have used 14 gauge wire instead of 12 gauge?
What else is on this circuit? If it's just a few lights, you only need 14
gauge and 15 amp switches and breaker..
Secondly, you don't need 3 wires plus ground from the breaker box to the
switch, as that only requires 2 wire plus ground.
Third, you only need 2 wires plus ground from the last switch to the
fixture.
Forth, since you are using 12 gaugewire, are you also using switches and a
breaker rated for 20 amps? If not, you should understand that you don't
need wire that will carry the 20 amps either.
I'm not trying to be critical, just trying to show that you may not meed to
use 12 gauge wire and you may not need to use it from breaker to switch or
switch to fixture, therefore you could save a lot of money on the price of
the wire. If you haven't used any of the wire on that big 250 foot roll,
you could return it and buy the cheaper 14 gauge and possibly a much shorter
role.
From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:blindhandy...@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Ron Yearns
Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2010 4:31 PM
To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] room addition
the 12 three is being used between two three way switches and from one
switch to the light.. In this case the main power is coming into one of the
switches from below.
Ron
----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Hodges
To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2010 9:32 AM
Subject: RE: [BlindHandyMan] room addition
Just curious, what are you using the 12 - 3 with ground for?
From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com> ]
On Behalf Of Ron Yearns
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 10:00 PM
To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com <mailto:blindhandyman%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [BlindHandyMan] room addition
Hello folks. It appears the weather may let us get started on our room
addition. I called dig rite Friday so the locates on the utilities should
be done by Wednesday am. The contractor is planning to come Tuesday or
Wednesday to start sawing the pation up to remove and then the set of cement
steps. Wife and I went shopping for ductwork and electric supplies today.
Do you know they wanted $2.30 per foot to cut a length of 12 three with
ground. So since I needed 60 feet I bought the full 250 foot coil for $104.
Most of the other electric rough in stuff was easy. A little hard to bit
the bullet for the new arc fault circuit breakers now required by the 2008 N
E C. Basicallly all 120 volt 15 or 20 amp outlet circuits require either
the arc fault or ground fault protection. $40 each. The real problem was
in the duct. i had priced the boots and flex duct at my supplier but he
would have to order most of it. The box stores had 4 inch and 6 inch stuff
but no 5 inch like is what currently in the house. I plan to disconnect two
runs and then extend them for the new room. So guess I will place a order
next week. Really hope the weather holds fair. Wish us luck.
Ron
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