hvac809
Member
- Location
- Rhode Island
Why can't different gauge wires be used on a single circuit breaker if the current is dependent on the load? For example, a single pole 20amp breaker feeds outlets with 12 gauge wire and splices off with 14 gauge to run a few led lights. If an amp clamp is used while the lights are on and a power tool is running, the lights read 0.5amps(14 gauge) and the tool is 15amps(12 gauge). At the panel (12 gauge) the meter reads the combined value of 15.5amp. The led lights will never see the higher current (wired parallel) so why can't wire gauges be mixed on a circuit? Thank you