When it comes to electrical wiring, determining the appropriate size and type of wire can be critical to ensuring safety and functionality. One commonly used type of wire is 14-2 wire, which is a type of non-metallic sheathed cable (NM cable) commonly used in residential and commercial applications.
What is 14-2 Wire Used For?
14-2 wire is typically used for lighting and outlet circuits in residential and commercial buildings. It is commonly used in applications involving 15-amp circuits, such as powering basic household appliances, lighting fixtures and electrical outlets.
This type of wire is composed of two 14-gauge wires, one black and one white, as well as a bare copper ground wire. The wires are rubber-coated and wrapped inside a protective sheath made of PVC. The black wire is used as the “hot” wire, while the white wire is the “neutral” wire, and the ground wire serves as the safety system that safeguards against electrical shocks.
The 14-gauge size of the wire plays a crucial role in its usage. The smaller the wire gauge, the thicker and heavier the wire will be, meaning it can handle more electrical current without overheating. In contrast, larger gauge wires are designed to handle higher currents but are too large for many residential applications. 14-2 wire strikes a good balance between safety and functionality, making it versatile and commonly found in residential and commercial building applications.
One common application of 14-2 wire is for electrical outlets. These wires are usually run from the main electrical panel to different outlets around the house, allowing users to plug in and use different appliances and electronic devices. When using 14-2 wire for an outlet circuit, it is critical to ensure that the circuit is rated for 15 amps, as using a higher amp circuit may result in the circuit breaker tripping or the wire overheating.
Another common application is for lighting circuits. In this case, 14-2 wire is used to connect lighting fixtures to a switch or dimmer, allowing users to control the lighting in a given room. Most lighting circuits are designed to handle 15 amps or less, making 14-2 wire a standard choice for residential and commercial applications.
Comparison of 14-2 Wire to Other Wire Sizes
While 14-2 wire is a popular choice, it is not the only wire size available for electrical wiring. Here is a brief comparison of 14-2 wire to some other commonly used wire gauges:
– 12-2 wire: 12-2 wire is similar to 14-2 wire, but uses 12-gauge wires instead of 14-gauge wires. This makes it a slightly heavier wire that can handle more electrical current. However, it is also more expensive and may be overkill for residential applications that typically do not require circuits with more than 15-amps.
– 10-2 wire: 10-2 wire is even larger than 12-2 wire, using 10-gauge wires that can handle even more electrical current without overheating. 10-2 wire is commonly used in applications involving high-powered appliances like electric dryers or electric ovens, which require circuits capable of handling 30 amps or more.
– 14-3 wire: 14-3 wire is similar to 14-2 wire, but includes an extra wire, typically red, that can be used for specialized applications like three-way switches or fan/light fixtures.
– 14-4 wire: 14-4 wire is like 14-3 wire, but includes an additional black wire to provide more versatility in wiring set-ups.
FAQs about 14-2 Wire
Q: Can 14-2 wire be used for a 20-amp circuit?
A: No, 14-2 wire is only rated for circuits up to 15 amps. Using it for a 20-amp circuit may result in the circuit breaker tripping or the wire overheating.
Q: Can 14-2 wire be used in a bathroom?
A: Yes, 14-2 wire can be used in a bathroom, but only for lighting and outlet circuits outside the wet area, which is typically defined as a 3-foot radius around the shower or tub.
Q: Can 14-2 wire be used for a dishwasher or garbage disposal?
A: No, dishwashers and garbage disposals require dedicated circuits that are typically rated for 20 amps. Using 14-2 wire for these circuits may result in the circuit breaker tripping or the wire overheating.
Q: Can I splice together two sections of 14-2 wire?
A: Yes, but the splices must be made inside an electrical box and must be properly secured and connected. Splices made using wire nuts or other connectors must be rated for the correct wire gauge and circuit load.
Conclusion
In summary, 14-2 wire is a type of non-metallic sheathed cable used for lighting and outlet circuits in residential and commercial applications. It is commonly used in circuits rated for 15-amps or less and consists of two 14-gauge wires, one black and one white, as well as a bare copper ground wire. By understanding the proper use of 14-2 wire and comparing it to other wire sizes and gauges, you can ensure safe and accurate wiring for any electrical project.