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Understanding how the wires are categorized is vital in knowing how best to use them also. That is why we look into how 12/2 and 12/3 differ and where best to use both wires. Starting with the 12/2, we find that it features 12 gauge wires. These are vital cables that can carry up to 20A of current. That is not all; the second number after ” / ” means the cable has two conductors. The black one is for hot or live wire, and the white one is for the neutral wire. The 12/3 has similar construction, only that there are three conductors this time around rather than two. They include black for live, white for neutral, and red for life also. It is easy to differentiate the two because of the additional conductor. The additional red wire makes the 12/2 a good pick for three-way switches. In both cases, there will be a bare ground wire too. Any circuit connection should always have ground. Looking at how much current the 12/3 can carry, we find it is the same as that of 12/2. It is only that you can configure it differently. Can You Use 12/2 and 12/3 for Lighting Circuits?The 12 gauge wire is generally used for lighting and outlets. This is thanks to its capacity. In case you just want to do the wiring for lights alone, then a 14-gauge wire can do the job. However, we use the 12-gauge wires because they can handle more power if you have a bigger appliance connected to the outlet. Here is a video with more details on how 12/2 and 14/2 differ Another reason for having the 14-gauge wire for outlets is that you might have many outlets on the same line. This could potentially lead to a voltage drop. So, having a 12-gauge line means it can sustain the continuous draw of a huge current. You are still advised to use the correct breaker for the job. Each time you wire a 12-gauge wire, ensure you use a 20-amp breaker. Even if the appliances never exceed 15 amps, always match the correct breaker rating. The 12/2 cable can also be used for cases where you have to wire a heater. However, this would be a small heater compared to what people use most of the time. If you want to wire the huge heaters, consider the 10-3 cables. They can handle 30A. You can always learn more about the Romex wires and their uses from the guide below FAQsWhere are the 12/3 cables used when wiring a house?This cable can be used mostly for wiring appliances that draw a lot of currents such as the central air conditioning and water heaters. So long as the appliance does not need more than 20A to run, this would be the right cable. What is the main difference between 12/2 and 12/3?It should be the number of conductors. The 12/3 cable has 3 conductors, while the 12/2 has only two conductors. Can you use the 12/2 cables for powering water heaters?It depends on the size of the water heater. Sometimes you may have to opt for a 10/2 cable if the heater is rated over 3700 watts.  12-2 vs 12-3 I am renovating my basement and have run most of the wiring for lights, outlets and an electric heater (not purchased yet). My question is, can all of these fixtures run on 12-2 wire? I plan on putting separate 15 or 20 amp
breakers for each of the three. Or can 12-2 only handle 15 amp breakers?
Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Central New York State Posts: 13,970 Received 0 Votes on 0 Posts 12-2 cable is three wire cable, all 12 gauge. One conductor is black, one white, and one is bare (no insulation). Except for a switch loop, the black is used for the hot wire and the white is used for the neutral. The bare wire is always a ground. 12-3 cable is four wire cable, all 12 gauge. One conductor is black, one is white, one is red. and one is bare (no insulation). Except for a switch loop, the black and red are used for hot wires and the white is used for the neutral. The bare wire is always a ground. If you are running 12 gauge wire for your lights and receptacles, you can use 20 amp circuit breakers. You can also use 15 amp circuit breakers, but I would not unless a 15 amp breaker was explicitly called for. "Home Depot told me to re-run the line for the electric heater with 12-3 bec. it is for 20 amp and thats the minimum I can use." This statement does not make sense. Ignore it. The advice you get from any of those stores is not always correct. 12-3 and 12-2 are both for 20 amps. However, you MAY have the wrong wire for your heater, or you may have it connected improperly. What is the voltage and current requirement for this heater? Is it a 120 volt or 240 volt heater? If it is a 120 volt heater you will need x-2 wire. The "x" will be determined by the current requirements of the heater, and you will need an appropriate 120 volt circuit breaker. If it is 240 volt heater, you will most likely need x-2 wire. There is a slight possibility you will need x-3 wire (if the heater needs a neutral). A standard baseboard heater needs only two conductors (plus ground). Again, the "x" and the breaker rating will be determined by the current requirements of the heater. However, in this case you will need a 240 volt breaker. Last edited by racraft; 03-06-05 at 05:57 PM. Thanks Bob. I
haven't purchased a heater yet so I will probably buy a 240 volt as I hear they are more energy efficient. Should I re-run the line for the heater or can I get buy with the independent 12-2 I already ran? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Central New York State Posts: 13,970 Received 0 Votes on 0 Posts Mangi, Reread my descriptions of 12-2 and 12-3. I'm not sure you are following the difference. There is no need for you to use 12-3 at all unless you plan on 3 way switches or need to have switched and unswitched power in the same cable. If all three sets of lights are on the same circuit breaker then you only need one power run from the panel. Don't buy or install cable for your heater until you have bought the heater and know it's requirements. 12-2 may be appropriate for it. However, it is possible that you need 10-2. May I make one other suggestion. It sounds like you are very new to this. Please purchase two or three books on home wiring and read them. There are many little things that you need to know for a job like this. If you have already run cable you may have made a mistake or two. When working with electricity you don;t want to make mistakes. Mistakes can cause death or fire. Neither of those are pleasant. THanks again Bob. I appreciate your advise and you are correct that I am very new to this. I am planning on hiring an electrician to hook all of my wiring up at the end. I'm pretty sure that I'm following code thus far. When would you use a 12 3 wire?ROMEX® 12/3 wire is used in buildings for circuits that use higher amperage than the standard 20 amps. Most people are not familiar with this type of wire because it is used to hook up heavy-draw appliances such as water heaters and central air conditioning.
Can 12 2 wire be used for outlets?14/2 wire cannot be used to wire outlets on 20-amp circuits. 12/2 wire can be used on both 15-amp and 20-amp circuits.
What is 3 wire Romex used for?A 3-wire circuit (black, red, white and the ground) cable can be used for feeding two circuits that will share the neutral and ground wire.
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12 2 vs 12 3 wire
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