Oil Pan,
I would advise using 12/3 wire. The 14/3 has too much resistance drop at high current. Besides, the cost of 12 G wire is just a tiny bit more than 14 G. Yes, I know that 14 G will "meet code", but code is a minimum standard.
Used to employ 14 G where permitting and code allowed it. An electrician had a serious talk with me years ago and showed me the changes in current that were caused by just a few tight bends in 14 G wire (like in the box where it is hooked up). After that, I have never used 14 G.
Steve
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consulting on geothermal heating/cooling & rational energy use since 1990
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