I have a 12-2 wire connected to a 20amp breaker. This wire is currently not in use and capped off in a junction box in my attic. I'd like to bring this wire back into service to install two new outlets in two rooms below the attic. The outlets will be used for light/medium duty (plug-in light fixtures, a computer) and do not need to be 20amp receptacles. Can I add two new 14-2 lines into this junction box with the 12-2 wire and then use 15amp receptacles? Thanks for any advice.
Electrical Code – 14-2 Wire Usage on a 20 Amp Circuit
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There's no problem with anything you've suggested. You can use a 15 ampere breaker to protect 14 AWG copper conductors, without a problem. If you feel that 15 amperes is not enough for the receptacles, there is no problem installing 12 AWG wire with a 20 ampere breaker. It's completely up to you what you think is best. If the cost difference is not prohibitive, it may be worth installing #12 on a 20A breaker. Especially if you think you might plug in multiple higher load items at the same time (George Foreman and electric mower for example), or may consider adding additional receptacles in the future.
There is also no problem using a junction box to provide power to different devices. As long as the box is properly installed, accessible, sized appropriately, and adequately sealed.
Nothing in electrical code says that lights and receptacles cannot be on the same circuit. It's more of a guideline than a rule. The general idea is that if the vacuum trips the breaker, you don't want to be left standing in the dark.
The only problem I see, is with the GFCI receptacles in your drawing. You will not need two GFCI receptacles. You'll simply feed the second receptacle, from the load side of the GFCI receptacle. When wired this way, the GFCI receptacle provides protection to the downstream receptacle.
You should re-feed this fan from a lighting circuit or other 15A circuit.
A ceiling fan CANNOT be supplied from a kitchen or DR receptacle circuit. Whoever did this was clueless with regard to codes and proper wiring.
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Best Answer
Nope, you have to extend a 20A circuit with 12 AWG wire.
The logic that "these will be lightly used receptacles" doesn't buy you a thing, because the safety of the wiring can't depend on how you use it.
You are allowed to put NEMA 5-15 (common receptacles) on 20A circuits, due to a special exception.
Even in the industrial parts of the Code, in the byzantine Tap Rules, such an extension would required a hardwired load of known value, or a single receptacle. I'm sure you don't intend to install this:
So if you're installing the common duplex 15A recep, what keeps you from plugging two 9A loads into it?