14 AWG wire is rated for up to 15 amps, which is adequate for most general lighting and standard electrical outlets in residential settings. This is the most popular type of cable for lighting and small appliances. The most common configurations for 14 AWG cables in-home wiring are 14/2 and 14/3. In this post, we briefly discuss how to pick between these two configurations.

When referring to 14/2 and 14/3 wires, the discussion usually centers around NM (non-metallic) cable, which is the most common type used for indoor residential electrical wiring. However, AC, MC, and UF-B cables can also have a similar configuration. This blog mostly refers to NM-B wire.

Here are the main points of comparison between 14/2 and 14/3 cables:

1. Number of conductors
• 14/2 Wire: This cable contains two conductors—one hot wire (usually black) and one neutral wire (white)—along with a ground wire (bare copper). It's typically used for simple circuits and standard household outlets.
• 14/3 Wire: This cable contains an additional conductor—three in total: one hot wire (black), one neutral wire (white), and an additional red hot wire, which is used as a second hot or a traveler wire in 3-way switch applications. Like 14/2, it also includes a ground wire (bare copper).
2. Applications
• 14/2 Wire: Commonly used for most household lighting and outlet circuits that do not require multiple hot or traveler wires. It is suitable for single-pole switches and sockets where one switch controls a light or an outlet.
• 14/3 Wire: Useful in installations that need two hot wires, such as split receptacles, or for wiring three-way switches where multiple switches control a single light or set of lights. An example would be a ceiling fan with separate switches for the light and the fan.
3. Capacity
• Both wires are designed to safely handle up to 15 amps of current, typically sufficient for lighting and general outlets in a residential setting. They are unsuitable for larger appliances or circuits requiring 20 amps or more, requiring thicker wire (e.g., 12-gauge).
4. Installation considerations
• Using the correct wire type is crucial for safety and functionality. For example, using a 14/3 wire for a three-way switch allows for control of lighting from multiple locations, something that isn't possible with just a 14/2 wire.

Choosing between 14/2 and 14/3 depends on your specific electrical needs, especially the configuration of switches and outlets.

When would you use 14/2 vs 14/3 wire?

Choosing between 14/2 and 14/3 wire depends on the specific requirements of your electrical project. Here's a more precise breakdown of when each type of wire is typically used:

14/2 Wire

• General lighting and outlet circuits: Most home lighting and non-appliance outlet installations use 14/2 wire. It's suitable for single-pole switches that control lighting or outlets from one location.
• Simple appliances: For small appliances or devices that do not require a dedicated 20-amp circuit, 14/2 wire can be adequate, provided they operate within the 15-amp limit.

14/3 Wire

• Three-way switches: This is one of the most common uses of 14/3 wire. If you want to control a light from two different locations—like at the top and bottom of a staircase or either end of a hallway—you need a 14/3 wire to connect the switches.
• Split receptacles: In some kitchen or workshop setups, you might want one outlet controlled by a switch (for garbage disposal, for example) while the other remains permanently on. This setup can be achieved using 14/3 wire.
• Two circuits in one conduit: 14/3 wire can also be used to run two circuits in a single cable, with each hot wire on a different breaker. This must be done carefully to adhere to electrical codes, particularly concerning handling neutral and ground connections.

In summary, the choice between 14/2 and 14/3 wires hinges on the need for multiple control points or split functionalities within the same circuit and the specific layout and requirements of the electrical system in your home or building.

Here’s a concise way to determine when to use 14/2 versus 14/3 wires:

Use 14/2 Wire When:

• Installing standard outlets and light fixtures: For most basic household electrical circuits that power lights, outlets, and non-major appliances.
• Wiring single-pole switches: When a light or appliance is controlled from a single location.
• Running general home circuits: Ideal for circuits that only require a single hot, a neutral, and a ground connection.

Use 14/3 Wire When:

• Wiring three-way switches: Essential when you want to control lights or fans from two different locations, such as both ends of a hallway or staircase.
• Creating circuits with two hot wires: Useful for wiring circuits that might split to serve different devices or areas from a single power source.
• Installing split receptacles: When one part of the receptacle is controlled by a switch (like a disposal switch), and the other part is always on.

At NNC, we have all kinds of 14/2 and 14/3 cables available, including:

• 14/2 NM-B Cable
• 14/3 NM-B Cable
• 14/2 MC Cable
• 14/3 MC Cable
• 14/2 UF-B Cable
• 14/3 UF-B Cable