using 12 guage wire on 15 amp circuit

[Unregistered]

I am rewiring a older house and would like to use 12 guage wire on 15 amp circuits just as a saftey factor. I know it will cost a bit more but is this acceptable per NEC. I know you must never use 14 guage on a 20 amp circuit but is oversizing ok on a 15 amp circuit. I am planning on using 12 guage on all dedicated 20 amp circuits. any input would be helpful. I have pulled the necessary permit.

[mdshunk]

Yes, you can do that if you want to. It's not all that clear to me that doing so will actually give you any "safety factor", but if it makes you feel safer then go ahead. I would note that if any of these circuits do happen to have any 14 gauge mixed in them, make sure that you tag the #12 gauge home run at the panel that the circuit has some #14 mixed on it. This will keep someone in the future from noticing the 12 gauge appearance at the panel, and changing to a 20 amp breaker.

[Unregistered]

When mounting a meter base on new construction how much clearance should you leave for the brick?

[mdshunk]

For brick, I mount the meter base on 3/8 threaded rod studs. I put a nut on each side of the meter can, so that the mason can "fine tune" the distance if need be. Four inches is how I normally set it up off the plywood. I can't say how they might adjust it from there. If there's some special brickwork happening or you still have some doubt, call your mason.