Compact Refrigerators

Can 14-2 be used to run outlets?

I am putting in a few outlets in my basement for a new bar. I bought 14-2 because we are running several new lights as well. Can I use the 14-2 to run the outlets as well? The heaviest thing on them will be a compact refrigerator or "bar fridge". I may also run the occasional blender. Do I need to use 12 gauge?

Public Comments

1. 12 is better, probably not necessary. You should consider 14-3 so you can ground it.
2. Your main problem with 14-2 is that you can only protect it for 15 amps. With any kind of fridge plus a blender or whatever else you run, it would definitely be better to run a 20 amp circuit which requires # 12. If it were mine, I would put the bar fridge on it's own circuit. Even though it may not pull that much, I don't like compressors on my general circuits. They cause lights to flicker when they kick on and off and that is a pet peeve of mine. Hope this helps.
3. if it were me i would use 12/2 if you use 14/2 for the outlets you will probably be ok,but if any thing were to happen such as a fire due to the wiring or anything else your home owners ins. wouldnt pay out a cent,so to be on the safe side i would use 12/2 and stay in code
4. Daniel and D2 are both very wrong. 14/2 has a bare ground and two current carrying conductors. The ins co. would pay as long as the 14/2 was landed on a 15 amp "over-current protection device" (breaker). As I stated 14/2 is fine for outlets and lighting.The fridge only pulls a couple amps and the blender maybe 5-6 , the lighting, only you know? With the draw at 8 amps on the outlets, you have ampacity for plenty of lighting, however the lights are going to flicker every time the blender is turned on. Try to separate the circuits lighting on one breaker and outlets on another but if you only have room for one breaker in the panel run 12 to everything an land on a 20 amp breaker.
5. If the circuit is on a 15 amp breaker the 14-2 wire is fine. If its on a 20 amp breaker you must use 12-2, you cannot use 14-2 because it only handles 15 amps, and if the circuit would be drawing about 19 or 20 amps the wire would overheat without tripping the breaker.
6. Yes use the 14-2. If you used the 12 the insurance company would know you did the work yourself, no professional electrician would waist the extra money putting 12 gauge wire on a 15 amp circuit.
7. LOL at first answer, its off so far. If the breaker is 15 amp than 14/2 with ground (what you have) is ok. How many lights will you have, count up the max wattage of each light and see if it surpasses 1875 watts. I recommend you check out diychatroom.com with more electricians than people who MAY put you and your family's lives at risk.