Adding circuits

[deb3343]

A friend said to run 12/2 as a main branch and then 14/2 going to the outlets, is this correct? I thought you would want to stay with the same size all the way from breaker to box.

[JP]

Hello,

I would keep it the same all the way, basically if you are running a circuit rated for 20 amps you need to use 12/2 and a 20 amp breaker, 14/2 is used for a 15 amp circuit and 
cannot be put on a 20 amp breaker, but 12/2 can be put on a 15 amp or 20 amp breaker. Just as a personal preference I use 12/2 for just about everything 20 amp and under. It is best to keep it the same size for the whole circuit.

What type of circuit are you running?
 

[deb3343]

I am starting to replace the wiring and main breakers (old is stab locks). Will be running new wire through out the whole house. I have wired before but his statement made me think maybe I was wrong.

[JP]

Wow! Big project to take on.