Can you tie a 12-2 electrical outlet into a outlet that is currently wired with 14-2?

Answer 1

Yes you "can"...I'm assuming the home run to your panel is on a 14 awg wire, and runs off a 15a breaker. You can come off of that receptacle to another with a 12 awg wire, because the 12 can handle the capacity of the 15a circuit. (to do this in reverse would create a fire hazard...14ga wire coming off a 20a breaker...because the circuit's capacity could exceed the capacity of the smaller ga wire, causing it to overheat). Make sure you put a 15a receptacle there, not a 20. What you want to do would not be unsafe.

BUT...its not the right way to do it. You or the next homeowner could believe the circuit could handle more seeing the larger capacity conduit, and put a 20a receptacle there or believe that circuit can handle a larger appliance. This wouldn't be dangerous either, but would result in constant tripping of the 15a circuit breaker. It's also something an inspector investigating a house fire DOESN'T want to see.

If you're going to do it yourself, do it right....go buy some more 14-2 conduit.

Answer 2

It is not recommended to mix wire sizes in the same circuit. If the existing outlet is wired with 14-2, it is best to stick with that wire size for the new outlet. Using a larger wire size (12-2) for just one outlet can create potential issues with overloading the smaller wire size and may not meet electrical code requirements.

Answer 3

Yes, as long as all splices are made inside of an approved type junction box.

Answer 4

yes