Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: dfatmhf, Location: Florida
Asked on: Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 1:00 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:53 am EDT
Question: If you want to add an outside outlet 90' away from an exising outside outlet that you'd tap in to which uses #12 wire on a 20amp 120V circut and about 60' from the electric box, can someone just use #10, #8, or #6 wire for the extension or does the entire run have to be the same gage?Thanks in Advance!
The entire run should be the same gauge.According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), if you are extending an existing circuit, the wire size of the extension must match the wire size of the existing circuit. In this case, the existing circuit uses #12 wire, so the extension must also use #12 wire.Using a larger wire gauge (such as #10, #8, or #6) for the extension is not recommended because it can create a safety hazard. A larger wire gauge can carry more current than the #12 wire that is currently being used, which could overload the circuit and cause a fire.If you are not sure what size wire to use for your extension, it is always best to consult with a qualified electrician. Flag for review