15amp and 20amp receptacles

1621 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Speedy Petey, Jul 19, 2009

bluefitness

Discussion Starter · Jul 19, 2009

Why can houses be wired with 15 amp receptacles on 20 amp circuits? Is it because it is assumed that a 20 amp device won't be used on a single outlet? Are 20 amp receptacles on used in a commercial setting?

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

dSilanskas

· #2 · Jul 19, 2009

Its more so about cost. The insides of a 15 amp and a 20 amp receptical are the same.

Save

Scuba_Dave

· #3 · Jul 19, 2009

The 15a has to be a duplex receptacle
A single 15a receptacle can't be installed on a 20a circuit (my understanding)
They are rated for 20a pass thru

Any device that needs 20a has a special slotted plug & requires a true 20a slotted receptacle. I have yet to buy any power tool that needs 20a or has a slotted plug
It doesn't have to be red or have the LED

See less See more

Save

dSilanskas

· #4 · Jul 19, 2009

Yes you can install a 15 amp single receptacle on a 20 amp circuit

Save

Scuba_Dave

· #5 · Jul 19, 2009

dSilanskas said:
Yes you can install a 15 amp single receptacle on a 20 amp circuit

NEC 210.21 (B) A single receptacle installed on an indivudal branch circuit shall have an ampere rating not less then that of the branch circuit

Single receptacle:

See less See more

Save

Speedy Petey

· #6 · Jul 19, 2009

Don't forget, a duplex receptacle is two receptacles. :thumbsup:

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month