Safety is priority no 1, when we speak about electricity. Its really essential you use the correct wire for your electrical projects. One type of wire is known as wires. But what is 12 2 2 wire?
12 2 2 wire is an electrical wire the way you might use to connect lights, and outlets in your home. The "12" indicates the thickness of the wire. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. The “2 2” indicates that it contains three insulated wires — a black wire, a white wire and a red wire. These insulated wires prevent electrical currents from leaking out of the wires and cause hazardous situations.
Now that you understand what copper wire is, Let’s discuss how it’s used. Commercially, 12 2 2 wire is typically used for general type wires in homes. It can be used to install new lights, add outlets to a room or even connect a ceiling fan.
In addition to its common use in the way we just talked about, 12 2 2 wire are also extensively used in three-way switch circuits. A three-way switch allows you to control a light from two locations. It is important for proper installation that the 12 2 2 wire has a separate traveler wire (in many cases, it is the red one).
Safety rules should always be followed when working with 12 2 2 wire or any electrical wire to prevent accidents. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
There are various kinds of electrical wiring. Well, how does 12 2 2 wire stack against the rest? A more common alternative is 14 2 wire, which is thinner, and is used for lighter electrical work. 12 2 2 wire is heavier and more suitable for bigger loads and longer distances.
Some projects will require armored cable or conduit instead of standard wire. These options do offer better protection for the wires but can be pricier and slightly harder to work with as opposed to 12 2 2 wire.