I agree with the value of running 20 amp circuits. However, being a
licensed contractor, who has bid, and installed these circuits, I can
tell you that cost is not about the same. I would say 20 plus percent
more. Especially now that the cost of copper is so high.
The biggest cost is probably the labor. Dealing with 12 gauge Romex
is a lot more hassle, and labor intensive, then dealing with 14 gauge
Romex. You might not think so, but you are going to be fighting heavy
wire in small 2X4 boxes throughout the circuit. It slows you down.
I have often thought that it would be a better idea to run 14 gauge 3
wire Romex = 2 hots to each room off double breakers in the panel. I
would rather have two 15 amp breakers to split the load, to one 20
amp breaker, any day.
At 11:54 PM 2/18/2010, you wrote:
V * A = W
120 * 15 = 1800
80% of 1800W is about 1440W, the typically considered safe continuous load.
This is also why as we rewire our house we're installing 20A
circuits since it's nearly same price materials wise.
Ask an electrician, no high drain devices on same breaker with computers.
On 2/14/2010 2:34 PM, DSinc wrote:
Gary,
Please step back and have a good laugh at yourself. I have done this
"surge-only" mistake many times!! LOL! And, even after doing the 1st
time, I repeated that same mistake 2 more times.......... :)
You are NOT dumb!
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