Help me with an electrical question

[mobobuff]

Would using a small run of #10 romex on a 20 amp circuit be a bad idea? Installing a flush mount light with a wall switch. I know #12 would be standard, but #10 is all I got.

 

[WTT0001]

Last I checked 10 is bigger than 12 so it would be "overkill" rather than under but I'm not an expert.

WTT

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: mobobuff
Would using a small run of #10 romex on a 20 amp circuit be a bad idea? Installing a flush mount light with a wall switch. I know #12 would be standard, but #10 is all I got.

I don't see what the problem is...10 gauge is larger than 12 gauge...therefore able to handle a higher current

 

[Rubycon]

It's fine as long as you're aware that you will have less space in junction boxes. If it fits, all is well.

 

[BillGates]

Yep, 10 is fine. It'll suck more to work with than 12, but it'll do the trick.

 

[mobobuff]

I thought it would be okay, but I remember hearing something once about thicker wires heating up faster due to higher resistance. I didn't think a low watt light would cause it to get that hot though.

Thanks .

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: mobobuff
I thought it would be okay, but I remember hearing something once about thicker wires heating up faster due to higher resistance. I didn't think a low watt light would cause it to get that hot though.

Thanks .

WTF?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: mobobuff
I thought it would be okay, but I remember hearing something once about thicker wires heating up faster due to higher resistance. I didn't think a low watt light would cause it to get that hot though.

Thanks .

P = IR^2 my friend

couple that with the face that resistance goes DOWN with larger wires

 

[WTT0001]

Reverse would be true in theory, smaller would = more resistance.

WTT

 

[Rubycon]

Text

 

[mobobuff]

Oh, then whoever I heard that from must've been smoking something.

But the light has been installed and it works perfectly. My switch box was pretty crowded, though. Big ass cables.