I am adding some additional outlets and outside lights to my garage. The existing outlets are on 12 gauge wiring, so presumably a 20 amp circuit (I did not check this – did not have my reading glasses with me when I was at the breaker box 8-). The lighting fixtures are LED type, so very low power needs compared to incandescent lighting. I was considering running 12 gauge to the new outlets, and 14 gauge from the new outlets to the outside lights (the lights are the terminal equipment in all cases), but I believe I would need 15 amp protection for that portion of the circuit. After a large number of not-very-useful searches, I finally came across this stackexchange question, which nixed my idea of using a 15 amp GFCI. I could not find so straightforward an answer for AFCI outlets, but I assume the same is true.
So, my question is, is there an outlet-mounted device (preferably with actual outlets) that can provide 15 amp overcurrent protection to the next device in the branch?
As an aside, is there, by any chance, a provision in the U.S NEC for connecting a low demand device at the end of a circuit this way without addition overcurrent protection? (I expect not…)
* Edit *
Some additional searching has lead me to panel mount thermal circuit breakers, such as these devices:
Carling Switch Circuit Breakers
Schurter TS-709-15 Circuit Breaker
leading me to wonder if I could put one of these in an electrical box where the 12 gauge and 14 gauge meet, and be to code.
Best Answer
Your assumption is correct. The over current device is there to protect the entire wiring system from a fault and this does not change even if you install allow voltage device at the end of the circuit.
You can only install a over current device in an approved designed enclosure and this is regulated by NEMA in order to meet NEC requirements.
I will mention there are methods of installing over current protection so you can reduce the size of the wiring to a device, but I don't want to release that information to any DIY since there is a better than average chance it would be installed incorrectly or abused. I believe something like that needs to be done by a licensed professional with the correct parts that can not be purchased from a standard big box or local hardware store.
So weighing price between installing a #12 or an over current protection. I would think the #12 would win out.
Stay safe.