From: "Robert B." <piclist@NERDULATOR.NET>
> Fortunately, since you are doing your own work on your own privately owned
> property, codes need not apply (at least in the USA).

** THIS IS GENERALLY NOT TRUE ** In many jurisdictions in the US you are
allowed to do your own work (rather than hire an electrician). However, you
nearly always have to meet code, and officially must get a permit and have
your work inspected (although many gloss over that).

> The only problem
> you'll get from not running a larger cable is a little bit of power
> dissipation in the line, but nowhere near enough at 20A to heat it up
much.

It is not really a matter of power dissipation, but rather voltage drop. 12
guage wire is rated at 20A because it will not heat up enough to be a
problem at that current. You can determine the voltage loss seen at the
outlet by computing the resistance of 200' of 12 guage wire (remember you
have both the hot and the return to deal with) and multiplying it by 20A

Bob Ammerman
RAm Systems

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