Electrical wiring question

[DaveNay]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Got a query for the electrical experts here....when I wired my addition I used 12-2 wire and 20 amp breakers everyplace instead of the code-permitted 14-2 and 15 amp breakers for general lighting circuits.)</font>

Did you use 20 amp recepticles too? As far as I know, all of the inexpensive outlets available at the big box stores for a $1.50 are only rated for 15 amps. The 20 amp outlets are usually around $4-$5 each, and are identified by one of the slots being in the shape of a T.

Dave

 

[jpr62902]

With kitchen and bath GFI's (which are required to be 20 amp independent circuits), the NEC allows the use of 15 amp outlets where there is more than one device in the circuit (i.e. 2 or more outlets above your kitchen or bath counter). With other 20 amp circuits I don't know.

 

[Inspector507]

It's ok to connect either 12 or 14 to fans, lights etc that have smaller wires built into them. There is a definate load that won't change. The wires are enough for that particular load.

The NEC® does allow 15A outlets on 15 or 20A circuit breakers on multi-outlet circuits.

 

[GaryM]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( <font color="blue"> Slide a properly sized extension cord inside the wall in the closet. Run the female end up the wall and clip the end </font>

You do THAT and I'll come down and visit you /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The first option would be best. Do all splicing inside an accesible box )</font>

I could see that one coming Inspector! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[chim]

It looks like you should be able to get into the space behind the kneewall. It also looks like the existing outlet in the closet is installed in the kneewall. That should make it reasonably accessible from the back side to tie into it for power.

If this is the case, you should be able to crawl back into the space behind the closet and fireplace. Locate the closet wall that is behind the fireplace. Drill through the framing of that wall as high as you can, angling the hole upward. That should allow you to fish a piece of 12/2 into the wall and cut an outlet into the fireplace side of the closet wall. You can use a straightened coat hanger or the 12/2 itself to determine if the spot is "fishable" before cutting the hole for the box. There are some boxes designed for installation in an existing wall that have "flippers" built into them.................chim