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20a Outlet Vs. 15a Outlet

9K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  MAS2006 
#1 ·
hi,

i just mapped out my circuits from my main service panel and sub-panel. the outlet that the microwave is plugged into is on a dedicated 20a circuit for itself. however, the outlet is a duplex 15a outlet. should i change the outlet to a 20a outlet, since the microwave is the only device on the circuit? would the 15a outlet burn before the 20a breaker would trip???

bob
 
#2 ·
NO. This is a total misconception. The recetpacle will not "burn out" before the breaker trips.
The micro obviously does not have a 20 amp plug on it, right? So obviously it cannot, and will not ever draw more than 15 amps. If it did, by code it would require a 20 amp plug on the cord.

If it were a single (simplex) receptacle it would need to be a 20a version. Even in this case they are typically combo 15/20 amp rated.
 
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