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In the USA 14 gauge is only good for 15 amps. It can not be used legally on a circuit that is protected by a 20 amp breaker.

It doesn't matter that a GFCI is involved.

Several different factors must always be considered when deciding the correct wire size to use:

  • amperage, which is the current to be supplied, measured in amps?
  • length of wire-run?
  • installation situation/site conditions?
    • run inside a conduit?
    • exposed to the air fixed to a wall?
    • extreme heat?
    • damp conditions?
    • underground?

To get the right answers refer to the Wiring Codes or Regulations for your locality. (Town/State.)

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

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14y ago
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1mo ago

Yes, a 14 gauge wire can be used with a GFCI receptacle on a 20-amp circuit breaker as long as the receptacle is rated for 15 or 20 amps. The key is to ensure that all components in the circuit, including the wire, are rated to safely handle the maximum amperage of the circuit.

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Wiki User

15y ago

It won't cause any damage, but the circuit breaker will trip before the GFI. In essence, the GFI will theoretically never trip, even if you push the "test" button. If your breaker is rated at 15 amps, then that is all the circuit will hold. The GFI becomes an expensive but ordinary 15 amp receptacle.

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10y ago

No, this is dangerous. Never, ever, mix wire sizes in the same circuit. The 14 gauge wire can catch on fire before the 20 amp breaker will ever trip. On a 20 amp breaker use only AWG #12 wire throughout the entire circuit.

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15y ago

Yes, that would be safe as long as the circuit breaker remains 15 amps. The 20 amp receptacle is more robust (and more expensive) than necessary, but that's OK.

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Q: Can a 14 gauge wire be used on a GFCI receptacle with a regular 20-amp breaker?
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Can you put 20amp breaker on 10-2 wire?

No, you should match the breaker size to the wire gauge. A 10-2 wire is typically rated for a 30 amp breaker. Using a 20 amp breaker on 10-2 wire could result in overheating and a potential fire hazard.


Can you use 10 ga wire on a 15 amp receptacle?

No, it is not recommended to use 10 gauge wire with a 15 amp receptacle. The wire gauge should match the amperage rating of the receptacle to ensure safe and proper functioning of the electrical system. In this case, a 15 amp receptacle should be used with 14 gauge wire.


Can you use a 14 romax for receptacle?

No, it is not recommended to use a 14-gauge Romex cable for receptacles. A 14-gauge wire is typically used for lighting circuits, while a 12-gauge wire is usually used for receptacles to handle the higher current requirements. It is important to match the wire size with the intended usage for safety and code compliance.


Can you use 10 gauge wire to connect a 2 15 amp outlets to a 30 amp breaker?

No, it is not safe to use 10 gauge wire with a 30 amp breaker as the wire is not rated for that high of a current. It is important to use the correct wire gauge that matches the breaker amperage to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. For a 30 amp breaker, you should use at least 10 gauge wire.


Can you use 6 gauge wire on A extension cord and put 30 amp plugs on it?

If your question is can you use a #6 flexible SOOW cord and put a 30 amp plug on it, then yes. The breaker that feeds the receptacle that the cord will plug into can be no larger than a 30 amp breaker. What limits the cord capacity to 30 amps is the ratings of the plug on the end of the cord.

Related questions

Can you use 14-3 wire on a 20amp breaker?

No. A 20 amp breaker needs 12 gauge wire.


Can you put 20amp breaker on 10-2 wire?

No, you should match the breaker size to the wire gauge. A 10-2 wire is typically rated for a 30 amp breaker. Using a 20 amp breaker on 10-2 wire could result in overheating and a potential fire hazard.


How do you wire 15amp 230v woodworking machine. 10agw or 12agw wire and type of outlet. Into a 15amp or 20amp breaker?

For a 15 amp 230V woodworking machine, you should use at least 10 AWG wire to handle the current. You can wire it into a 15 amp breaker with a suitable outlet, like a NEMA 6-15. However, if your woodworking machine has start-up surges or is a larger machine, you may want to consider using a 20 amp breaker and wire with 12 AWG to handle the load more comfortably.


How do you install 220 receptacle with white black and bare wires?

Assuming the wires are the correct gauge for application and breaker you use black and white wires as hot. Put red electrical tape on each end of white wire and connect red and black to the breaker output and bare wire to ground lug in panel. At receptacle connect black and red to hot contacts and bare wire to ground lug.


Can you use 10 ga wire on a 15 amp receptacle?

No, it is not recommended to use 10 gauge wire with a 15 amp receptacle. The wire gauge should match the amperage rating of the receptacle to ensure safe and proper functioning of the electrical system. In this case, a 15 amp receptacle should be used with 14 gauge wire.


Can you use a 14 romax for receptacle?

No, it is not recommended to use a 14-gauge Romex cable for receptacles. A 14-gauge wire is typically used for lighting circuits, while a 12-gauge wire is usually used for receptacles to handle the higher current requirements. It is important to match the wire size with the intended usage for safety and code compliance.


Can you run 14 gauge wire off 12 gauge 20 amp breaker?

You could if it fit properly in the connector, but it would be massive overkill since you only need 12 AWG wire. You also have to make sure the load can physically accommodate that larger size wire. Every so often someone will replace an electric cooktop witha gas one. All of the new gas cooktops require a 110v outlet. The old electric cooktop may have been run with a 50 amp breaker (and probably 6 gauge wire) In order to convert this 220 v circuit to a 110v circuit we change to a 20amp breaker. Depending upon the brand of breaker sometimes the wire will fit into it. If not, we splice on a short piece of 12 gauge wire and then connect to the breaker.


What is the wire size required for 1800 watts for lamps?

14 gauge will handle it with a 15 amp breaker. If you use 12 gauge use a 20 amp breaker.


Can you use 6 gauge wire on A extension cord and put 30 amp plugs on it?

If your question is can you use a #6 flexible SOOW cord and put a 30 amp plug on it, then yes. The breaker that feeds the receptacle that the cord will plug into can be no larger than a 30 amp breaker. What limits the cord capacity to 30 amps is the ratings of the plug on the end of the cord.


14 gauge wire can be on what size circuit breaker?

A 14 gauge wire is typically used on a 15 amp circuit breaker. It is not recommended to use a larger circuit breaker with a smaller wire size as this can create a fire hazard.


240v nema6-50r outlet wired with 6 gauge wire and 50 amp breaker you need to run a heater with a nema 6-30p can you simply put a 30 amp receptical in place of the 50 amp receptical?

Not legally because the rating of the 30 amp receptacle would have a 50 amp breaker ahead of it. If you reduced the feed breaker to 30 amps and still use the #6 wire, this would be within the electrical code rules.


What size breaker should be used on a 20 amp motor?

30 amp breaker with #10 gauge copper wire