30 Amp Circuit for 20 amp outlets.

HooKooDooKu · 01-22-2010, 02:21 PM

I know that you are allowed to run 12-2 for a 20 amp circuit, and install 15 amp outlets.

But are you allowed to run 10-2 for a 30 amp circuit, and install 20 amp outlets?

junkcollector · 01-22-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HooKooDooKu

I know that you are allowed to run 12-2 for a 20 amp circuit, and install 15 amp outlets.

But are you allowed to run 10-2 for a 30 amp circuit, and install 20 amp outlets?

No!

Speedy Petey · 01-22-2010, 02:37 PM

If you'd like code citations we can give them to you, but Junk is absolutely correct.

Scuba_Dave · 01-22-2010, 03:15 PM

15a are rated at 20a pass thru
A 20a is not rated for 30a at all

Jim Port · 01-22-2010, 04:40 PM

General purpose circuits are prohibited from being greater than 20 amp.

HooKooDooKu · 01-22-2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Port

General purpose circuits are prohibited from being greater than 20 amp.

Yea, I was starting to get that feeling, especially with Dave's response.

I had previously wired up a two breaker sub-panel feed from a single pole 30 amp breaker with 10/2 wire. I also have an extra 10/2 wire that was used for an A/C circuit that was upgraded.

Now that I'm finishing in the basement, I've got to modify the sub-panel. The inspector wants 10/3.

It all means I'm going to have some extra 10/2 that I was looking for some "best" ways to use... looks like it's going to need to be used as over-sized 20 amp circuits.

Speedy Petey · 01-22-2010, 09:34 PM

Go buy yourself a real nice compressor. You have the perfect excuse now.....you HAD to use up that wire.

HooKooDooKu · 01-22-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Go buy yourself a real nice compressor. You have the perfect excuse now.....you HAD to use up that wire.

Afraid that one wouldn't get past DW. Since we're starting to finish the basement as a DIY, she's already complaining about the money I've already spent since Christmas:

Pancake compresor
Nail gun set
palm nailer
tight angle drill
10" Table Saw

and I still need to buy a Drywall lift (since I can buy one for $250 and use it at my lesure, seems cheaper than spending $40/day and trying to rush it).

Speedy Petey · 01-23-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HooKooDooKu

and I still need to buy a Drywall lift (since I can buy one for $250 and use it at my lesure, seems cheaper than spending $40/day and trying to rush it).

Be careful with this. The cheap ones are junk and not very stable.
Just check it out good before you commit.

HooKooDooKu · 01-24-2010, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Be careful with this. The cheap ones are junk and not very stable.
Just check it out good before you commit.

I've only got to deal with an 8 foot ceiling, and there is one at the local Harbor Freight Tools on sale I can get for $250. So far, I've been happy with the tools I've gotten from there, not good enough for everyday use by a contractor, but otherwise good. The ones available at Amazon for about $200 have good reviews, so I figured this one I can pick up locally would do pretty good... at least for finishing a basement.