15a receptical on 20 amp circuit?

fabian

im changing my old black recepticals to white ones and i notice on my countertop outlets the recepticals (old ones) say 15a. but the breaker they are on is 20amp. is it ok that i change the old black 15a receptical to a white 15a on the same 20amp breaker?

Scuba_Dave

Yes, as long as it is a duplex - 2 places to plug a device in, VS only a single place to plug a device in

15a passes thru 20a

micromind

The code reference here is Table 210.21(B)(3).

It plainly states that with a circuit (breaker) rating of 20 amps, the receptacle rating can be 15 or 20 amps.

The entire table applies only to circuits that have two or more receptacles. A duplex is two receptacles.

210.21(B)(1) prohibits the installation of a single receptacle on a circuit greater than the rating of the receptacle.

Rob

sweaty

The nice thing about using 20A receptacles is that it gives you a visual indicator of the higher capacity circuit.

jbfan

And is a complete waste of money!

__________________
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sweaty

Why are they a complete waste of money?

hpp58

A 20 amp plug will not fit into a 15 amp receptacle.
(how many time has the average home owner even seen a 20 amp plug, maybe a AC unit)
When you have a need for a 20 amp appliance it should be on it's own circuit.
This way you only use 20 amp receptacles for dedicated circuits.
Use 15 amps for everything else

rgsgww

I agree with hpp. Most 20a appliances pull about 16 amps. There isn't much room after that.

fabian

thanks for the reply to my question. im always learning!

Scuba_Dave

I buy Pro - heavy duty receptacles
The 20a were about the same price as the 15a
So I bought the 20a

Now under NEC 2008 all receptacles must be tamper proof
Outside must be GFCI & weather proof
Outlets have more then doubled in price

I'll probably swap the 20's out to the garage
That's the most likely place I will use them