What is the 14/2 wire used for (Manual)

Electrical wires are available in a variety of sizes and gauges to match the amperage of the circuit. Each of them has a specific purpose and power, and the smaller/thinner the wire, the higher the number. In residential electrical work, 10-gauge and 12-gauge wires are most commonly used, and in this article we discuss 14-gauge, specifically 14/2, in detail.

So let's take a closer look at what wire 14 is used for and other details about its capacity and security.

Using wire 14/2

Different wire sizes suit different applications in your home. For example, 14/2 wire is commonly used to power low power outlets, lamps, and lighting fixtures on 15 amp circuits. This is the maximum current that a 14/2 wire can handle and provide enough power. So, as long as it's connected to a 15 amp circuit, you can safely use it with 14/2 wire. However, if it is above 15 amps, such as in a 20 amp circuit, your 14/2 wire may not provide enough power, putting you at risk of electric shock. In this case, you need to upgrade to a stronger, thicker wire such as 12/2 gauge wire.

Understanding 14/2 wires

In the 14/2 electrical wire, the number 14 indicates the cross section of the conductor, and the number 2 indicates the number of conductors in the cable. The 14/2 wire is an electrical cable sheathed with three 14-gauge electrical conductors:

• Black and white "hot" wires - they carry current from the panel to an object, which can be a switch, outlet, lamp or appliance. There are other colors for hot wires, although they are much less common.
• Ground Wire, Green or Bare Copper Wire - In the event of a ground fault, the ground wire provides a path to return fault current to the panel, open the breaker or blow the fuse, and turn off the power.

pros

• This is cheaper than 12/2 gauge wires and other thicker electrical wires.
• It's more adaptable, which makes it easier to work with.

Cons

• 14/2 gauge wire in a 15 amp circuit provides insufficient power to operate AC units, power tools, and other appliances safely and efficiently.
• If you are using 14 gauge wire and want to upgrade the outlet to 20 amps later, you need to break it first and then replace it with 12 gauge wire, that's a lot of wiring work.

Safe Operation

14 gauge wires and 15 amp circuits cannot be used throughout your property because some household appliances and power equipment require 20 amps such as window air conditioners, store vacuums, etc. Therefore, your outlet must be on 20 amp circuit, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, outdoors and garage. As a result, you will also need to install 12/2 gauge wire instead of 14/2 gauge wire to provide adequate power and electricity for your 20 amp circuit. Most home builders use 12 gauge wire to connect all outlets to 20 amp circuits.

F.A.Q.

What is the maximum current that a 14/2 wire can safely carry? 

14/2 wires are safe for use on circuits up to 15 amps. Using wire 14/2 on more than 15 amps, such as in a 20 amp circuit, is not safe. Therefore, in order to have safe electrical wiring, it is best to select the appropriate wire gauge based on the current in the circuit.

How can I determine the current strength of my circuit?

Locate and open the switch box to determine the amperage of the circuit you are working with. Next, find the switch that controls the electricity in your outlet. The amperage must be indicated on the handle of the switch. A 15 amp switch is labeled "15" and a 20 amp switch is labeled "20". Circuits that power large appliances are likely to be numbered higher.

What happens if I run a 14/2 wire in a 20 amp circuit? 

14 gauge wire is not designed to carry that much current. When you force a 14-gauge wire to draw 20 amps of current, it overheats, causing a switch to trip or electricity to ignite. At best, the circuit breaker will trip to avoid dangerous overheating, but will lose power to the circuit. In the worst case, a 20 amp circuit with 14 gauge wire will overheat to the point of causing an electrical fire. (1)

How many sockets can 14/2 wire support?

With your 15 amp circuit connected with 14/2 copper wire, you can connect up to eight electrical outlets. Most outlets have two outlets, although some have four. Using 14 gauge electrical wire, you can connect four 2-socket sockets or two 4-socket sockets to a single 15-amp circuit. However, if you are aiming to safely power more than eight outlets, consider switching to a 20 amp circuit with thicker wiring, such as 12 gauge wire.

Can Romex 14/2 be used to wire sockets?

The Romex electrical cable is nothing more than 14 gauge wire wrapped in a non-metallic sheath. This coating helps pull the cable through conduits faster, but does not affect the ability of the wire to conduct electricity. Romex 14/2 and regular 14/2 are the same and have the same power. As a result, the Romex 14/2 cable can be used in circuits where normal 14/2 wire can be safely used. This means that the 14/2 Romex can also power outlets on a 15 amp circuit. However, you must also use the stronger Romex cable when connecting sockets to a circuit with a current of more than 15 amps in accordance with electrical codes. (2)

Take a look at some of our articles below.

• What size wire for 30 amps 200 feet
• What is the size of the wire for the electric stove
• Which wire is from the battery to the starter

Recommendations

(1) force - https://www.britannica.com/science/force-physics

(2) electrical code - https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/definition/National-Electrical-Code-NEC