What is the minimum copper conductor size permitted for lighting circuits having more than two outlets protected by a 15-amp breaker?

What is the minimum copper conductor size permitted for lighting circuits having more than two outlets protected by a 15-amp breaker?

• A. 12 AWG
• B. 14 AWG
• C. 16 AWG
• D. 10 AWG

Answer: (B)

For a lighting circuit protected by a 15-amp breaker, the conductor must be at least 14 AWG copper. This matches the 15-amp protection: 14 AWG copper is rated to carry up to 15 amps, so using it ensures the wire won’t overheat if the circuit is loaded to its limit. Using a smaller size (like 16 AWG) would be undersized for a 15-amp circuit and isn’t permitted, while larger conductors (12 or 10 AWG) are allowed but not required for this breaker size. The fact there are more than two outlets doesn’t change this minimum—the 15-amp protection governs the minimum conductor size. In practice, 14/2 NM cable is commonly used for such 15-amp lighting circuits.

For a lighting circuit protected by a 15-amp breaker, the conductor must be at least 14 AWG copper. This matches the 15-amp protection: 14 AWG copper is rated to carry up to 15 amps, so using it ensures the wire won’t overheat if the circuit is loaded to its limit. Using a smaller size (like 16 AWG) would be undersized for a 15-amp circuit and isn’t permitted, while larger conductors (12 or 10 AWG) are allowed but not required for this breaker size. The fact there are more than two outlets doesn’t change this minimum—the 15-amp protection governs the minimum conductor size. In practice, 14/2 NM cable is commonly used for such 15-amp lighting circuits.