Can different size wires be spliced together?
It must be noted that while it is possible to splice different types of Romex wire—12/2 to 12/3, for instance—you should never splice together wires of a different gauge. Wire gauge is determined by the amount of amperage the wire is expected to carry.
Are all thermostats wired the same?
For heating and cooling systems, it will have a red Rc and a red Rh wire. Though both wires are red, they are not interchangeable. For the thermostat to work properly, the red wires must be connected to the correct corresponding terminal. The C, or common wire, provides smart thermostats with continual power.
What size should thermostat wires be?
The most common thermostat cabling is 18/5 (18 gauge, 5 conductor), because 5 conductors typically offer enough functions for a modern thermostat/low voltage device.
What happens if you connect thermostat wires wrong?
Potential consequences of improper installation could include: Electric shock. Blowing a circuit breaker. Damaging the thermostat unit, the electrical system or even the AC/furnace unit itself.
Can you mix 14 gauge and 12 gauge wire?
Anyway, the first subject is a bit touchy because it makes it difficult to perform an inspection when all of the wires coming into the panel are 12 but many of the circuits have 14 in them too. There is nothing against code mixing wire size for these circuits as long as the OCPD matches the smallest wire.
How do you join two different wire sizes?
Use a butt splice (crimp connector) and make sure the wire is fully inserted. Take the larger gauge wire and slip a piece of heat shrink over it first before crimping it in the butt splice. Crimp both sides and heat shrink.
How do you identify thermostat wires?
Look for connectors that have labels that are the same as your thermostat. For instance, you might find labels like R, W, G, Y, C or O/B. You should find wires attached to these connectors that are the same color as the wires that connect to your thermostat.
Is RC and C wire the same?
The C and Rc wires are not the same. To install this thermostat you should follow the exact same wiring of the previous thermostat.
What is the difference between RH and RC thermostat wires?
RC: The RC terminal is the 24-volt cooling power supply. RH: The RH terminal is the 24-volt heating power supply. (Note: The RC and RH terminals are jumpered together in a four-wire heat/cool system and a single-stage heat pump system but not in a five-wire heating/cooling system.)
Can you mix wire sizes?
You can mix wire sizes, but the breaker has to match the smallest wire you used. So if there is any 14g wire on the circuit anywhere, it must have a 15A breaker.
Can you mix cable sizes?
Yes, mixed cable sizes are fine provided that the smallest cable is compliant for the size and type of OCPD. AND that the voltage drop for the entire circuit is within acceptable limits.
Can you connect 12 gauge wire to 16 gauge wire?
Strip the 12 gauge wire extra long so it goes all the way through the butt connector with the tip extending just a bit out of the metal barrel. Then insert your 16 gauge wire into the other end so it’s side-by-side with the 12. That’ll give you the build you need for a good crimp.
Can I mix 12 and 18 gauge wire?
NO don’t ever mix AWG Wire gauges they are different for a reason and the main reason is amperage. Sure it will work but it’s 100% wrong and the #18 gauge wire becomes a fusable link and potential fire hazard. It would be easier to use the #18 wire to pull #12 wire and make it right.
Can I mix 16 and 18 gauge wire?
Yes the 16-gauge will work just fine. Make sure your connections are well insulated.
Can I connect a bigger wire to a smaller wire?
Wire size is usually based upon the current load each is expected to use. As long as you do not draw too much current through the smaller wires you are usually OK. If your connections are signal…
Can you mix 10 gauge and 12 gauge wire?
You haven’t said how you will manage the transition from 10 gauge to 12 gauge. If you are thinking of wire nuts in a junction box, then the answer is that you cannot do this safely. The 20A breaker’s job is to protect the load wire connected to it. A 12 gauge wire needs a 20A breaker to protect it.
