Can You tap a 12 AWG circuit with 14 AWG for a light?

[jacksaly]

I am installing a new ceiling light fixture and the nearest power source is a 20AM 12 awg wire circuit. The receptical is in a deep box and is through and through , and is only 1 of 4 on that circuit -- so i believe i can tap it with another wire.

My question is - can i tap my new switch / light from the 12 awg receptical with a 14 AWG wire ? and still be within code?

[MinConst]

I wouldn't unless it is the last fixture in the run. Why not just use 12?

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by jacksaly

My question is - can i tap my new switch / light from the 12 awg receptical with a 14 AWG wire ? and still be within code?

Absolutely not.

If this is a bathroom or kitchen receptacle circuit then it would be all the more illegal.

[jacksaly]

Thanks for the replies...

the recep is first in the line, the circuit is a dinning room , being converted to an entrance way from the new foyer ( where the new light is being placed ) ,

i ran a new circuit for the foyer but thought i may be pushing the number of devices ,
5 convenience recepticles ,
front lights (200watts) ,
rear entrance lights (120watts) ,
two flourescent closet lights (30watts each)
and the ceiling light/fan (392watts-max) ( the fan addition happened today when the fan box arrived from the saturday hardware store trip.... )

if i est 150 watts to each recept i come up with 1522 which is under the 1800 va for 14 awg - but is was told i had to derate the 1800 to 1440 which puts me over. that is why i inquired about tapping the other circuit.

Any ideas on this derating? Is that required for general lighting and receptacles?

[Speedy Petey]

You can have as many receptacles on a circuit as you want. The 180va per receptacle outlet does not apply to residential as far as load calculations go. Of course we keep the numbers to a reasonable amount.
For known loads the actual numbers are used. Such as lighting. We use the highest allowable wattage for calculations.

If all you are adding is a foyer light I would add it to the foyer circuit no question.

[bigboy11]

dear question, simple solution. turn on every thing on that circuit. take amprobe
and place on black wire. if you are at10 to 15 range add the lite. but stay with
# 12 wire bigboy11