alt.energy.homepower

wmbjkREMOVE@ wrote:
>
> On Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:49:33 GMT, "Pete C." < @ >
> wrote:
>
> >wmbjkREMOVE@ wrote:
> >>
> >> On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:22:38 -0400, "Mike Payne"
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >> >I guess it's my job to disagree with most of the other posters. 15A
> >> >circuits let you work with 14 gauge wire. It is orders of magnitude easier
> >> >to wire outlets and lights with 14 rather than 12. I use 12 only for
> >> >workshops and kitchens where they might actually be needed.
> >>
> >> That makes 2 of us. A friend tried to talk me into using #12 for
> >> everything (as he'd done at his own place). When I told him that the
> >> bulk of the long runs were one light per circuit, and that nearly all
> >> of them would be 12W CFs, he started the "what about the next guy"
> >> angle. Sheesh! If there's a next guy, and if he wants to use 150W
> >> bulbs, and if he thinks that'll stress the #14, then too bad. :-)
> >>
> >> Wayne
> >
> >I have to disagree, I find the "workability" difference between 12 ga
> >and 14 ga virtually unnoticeable. 2 ga copper is a bit of a pain to deal
> >with, but much of anything below that is all the same to me.
>
> I don't agree, but even if there was zero workability difference, that
> wouldn't be a valid reason to spend even a nickel extra on a 12W
> circuit, or any low-power circuit.

That would almost make sense if circuits always remained in the same
usage and with the same loads on them. When someone decides they need to
add something to the circuit or upgrade lighting things can change
dramatically and the 14ga circuit that was feeding the old circular
flouro in the kitchen may suddenly be feeding several halogen populated
cans and a pile of halogen under cabinet and soffit lighting in a
kitchen remodel.

> The only half-way reasonable
> argument I've heard for using 12 on low-power circuits is that it's
> more forgiving of bad workmanship. But anyone who needs that crutch
> shouldn't be doing electrical work anyway.

I've never hear that, and can't even fathom the (il)logic behind it.

>
> Lots of people (including me) waste money when they don't need to, but
> we shouldn't encourage the newbs to do that. Ask any question on
> Usenet, and far more people will tell you to overdo things than
> underdo them. If a guy with a normal budget started building a home,
> and followed the Usenet consensus on how to do it, he'd probably run
> out of money before he finished the foundation. :-)

Perhaps, but I don't think the cost difference is that significant, even
with a complete home since you still can't use 14ga everywhere.