Is my house going to catch on fire?

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Noo

Senior member
Oct 11, 2013
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I have to move an electrical outlet near the bottom of the floor to a higher spot. It didn't dawn on me until after everything is done but I've used 14gauge electrical cable (advertised 600 volts) to extend the outlet. I have a toaster oven that is rated at 1300watts. Is it ok to use the toaster oven on the outlet or will it catch on fire?
 
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DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
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If you think volts and watts are the same, then . . . sure, why not?

What is the wattage rating or 120 volt amps rating for the cable?
 

Belegost

Golden Member
Feb 20, 2001
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Assuming you're in the US on 110V, 14 gauge romex is generally considered safe for 15A breaker circuits (short peak draw perhaps up to 20A.) Your oven will pull about 12A (1300A/110V/~1) given that a toaster oven is essentially a fancy resistor (hence a power factor ~1) so that should be safe.

But do check what the amp rating for breaker feeding that outlet is, if it's on a 20A breaker it's best to switch to 12 gauge.
 

SparkyJJO

Lifer
May 16, 2002
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If you think volts and watts are the same, then . . . sure, why not?

What is the wattage rating or 120 volt amps rating for the cable?

There isn't a wattage rating for the cable. Wattage is Volts x Amps (x power factor on a non-resistive load on AC). Amperage capacity of the wire depends on the wire size. Voltage capacity is dependent upon the wire insulation (but in a house you're only at 120 or 240 anyway).

Assuming you're in the US on 110V, 14 gauge romex is generally considered safe for 15A breaker circuits (short peak draw perhaps up to 20A.) Your oven will pull about 12A (1300A/110V/~1) given that a toaster oven is essentially a fancy resistor (hence a power factor ~1) so that should be safe.

But do check what the amp rating for breaker feeding that outlet is, if it's on a 20A breaker it's best to switch to 12 gauge.

This.
 
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edro

Lifer
Apr 5, 2002
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If you put the splice in the wall, you're off to a bad start.
You need to keep the existing junction box where it is when you extend the outlet up.
All splices need to be accessible.
 
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