Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) G3 Practice Exam

What type of wiring is required for a 15 amp circuit using #14 AWG wire?

1. Must be solid core only

2. Can only be used in residential applications

3. May be stranded or solid core

4. Cannot be used with circuit breakers

The correct answer is: May be stranded or solid core

The requirement for using #14 AWG wire in a 15 amp circuit indicates that the wire can be either stranded or solid core. This flexibility in wire type is important for various applications. Stranded wire, composed of multiple small wires twisted together, is often more flexible and easier to work with, especially in situations where the wire needs to bend or fit into tight spaces. Solid core wire, consisting of a single solid piece of metal, provides better conductivity and is often used in fixed wiring applications where flexibility is less critical. This option reflects the standards outlined in the National Electrical Code (NEC), which permits both types of wire for circuits rated at 15 amps. The other options, while varying in accuracy, do not accurately describe the wiring requirements related to the use of #14 AWG wire for a 15 amp circuit. For example, the notion that only solid core wiring is acceptable disregards the practical applications of stranded wire, and stating the wire can only be used in residential settings limits its broader usage potential. Additionally, the assertion that it cannot be used with circuit breakers is false, given that both wire types can indeed be effectively utilized with circuit breakers in typical residential and commercial settings.