Had to choose between 12/2 and 14/2 for a whole house rewire in Portland

Guy I work with swore up and down 14/2 on 15 amp breakers saves money and is fine for most circuits, but I went with 12/2 on 20s for the whole job because the homeowner wanted to future-proof for EVs and shop tools. Cost me about $400 more in wire alone but now the inspector didn't flag a single thing and the homeowner tipped me $200. Has anyone else dealt with pushback on upsizing wire for a remodel when the customer insists on it?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_cora3d ago

Honestly I think you kinda wasted your money unless they actually plan on running a welder or something. Like 14/2 is totally fine for lighting and general outlets, you could have saved that $400 and still passed inspection easy.

victor_butler503d ago

14/2 is totally fine" until someone daisy chains a space heater and a microwave on the same circuit.