I am updating wiring in my basement as part of major renovation project. I have three basement recessed light circuits sitting on the same breaker. There is 12 AWG wire running from main panel to the entrance switch box and from the switch box there are three separate 12 AWG wires bringing power to each of three recessed lights circuit. One of the circuits are 4-way switch that controls 4 recessed lights. Unfortunately one of three switches has old AWG 14 wire running to the nearest box and there is no way to replace it as it is virtually inaccessible. Al other wires are new AWG 12. There are total of 25 recessed lights so maximum amperage may exceed (or be near) 15 A. I want to use 20 A circuit breaker but I have concern over the switch AWG 14 wire. Again, the switch is basically in sub-circuit that has only 4 lights that is considerable less even then 15 A. So may I safely use 20 A circuit breaker in main panel?
- posted
20 years ago