If you’re wondering whether you can use 14/2 gauge wire for outlets, the answer is that you usually can.
14/2 wire is fine with a 15-amp circuit but not with a 20-amp circuit. This means it can be used safely, only for general and light loads but not more powerful appliances. 12/2 wire should be used instead with 20-amp circuits. As long as the wire is not long and you don’t expect to use more powerful appliances, requiring a 20-amp circuit, 14/2 wire on a 15-amp circuit is fine, and it will be cheaper and more flexible, too.
I will go into more detail below.
14/2 Gauge Wire
14/2 gauge wire consists of two conductors capable of carrying up to 15 amps of current.
14/2 wire is most commonly used for general-purpose appliances and lighting fixtures. The next thicker (and more expensive) option of 12/2 wire would be necessary for more powerful 20-amp circuits.
14/2 wire is capable of carrying less current. This makes it only suitable for general appliances that don’t need more than a 20-amp circuit breaker. Trying to do so could lead to overheating and an electrical fire.
Here is a summary of the key differences:
| 12/2 Wire | 14/2 Wire | |
| Diameter | 0.08” (~2mm) (thicker) | 0.06” (~1.6mm) (thinner) |
| Maximum current | 20 amps | 15 amps |
| Suitable for | Refrigerators, boilers, dishwashers, air conditioners, power tools, and other appliances that require higher current | Lighting and other general loads |
| Price | More expensive | Cheaper (less expensive) |
Two important things to note:
- Since the 14/2 wire is thinner (than the 12/2 wire), it is easier to bend around corners and snake through openings.
- Because you cannot use thinner 14/2 wire on a 20-amp circuit, you shouldn’t use it for larger appliances or power tools, even if you fit a 20-amp circuit breaker.
14/2 Wire for Outlets
Suitability
14/2 gauge wire is fine for a 15-amp circuit but cannot be used on a 20-amp circuit.
A 14/2 wire is a suitable choice for a 15-amp circuit, as it is cheaper than a 12/2 wire. But if you try to use it on a 20-amp circuit, the circuit breaker will most likely keep tripping. It is not designed to handle that much current draw.
Although 14/2 wire is more common for 15-amp circuits, some choose thicker 12/2 wire instead so that the circuit can be upgraded later to a 20-amp circuit without the need for rewiring.
Unless the wire run is very long, a 14/2 wire is sufficient for a 15-amp circuit, as it is cheaper (and more flexible) than a 12/2 wire.
Number of Outlets
If you want to know how many outlets you can install using 14/2 wire on the same circuit, a general rule of thumb is 1.8-2 amps per receptacle (or a maximum of 1.5 amps).
This means you should have no more than 8 (or max 10) receptacles on a 15-amp circuit, which is four outlets, assuming there are two receptacles on each outlet.
The standard recommendation considers that you should use no more than the 80% current threshold and not exceed the maximum.
If you need an extra outlet on the same circuit, use a 12/2 wire and a 20-amp circuit breaker instead.
