[Rav]

I recently replaced the receptacle for our washing machine with a GFCI receptacle. This is located in our unfinished basement, near a sink. The old receptacle was rated 15A, so I put in a 15A GFCI (20A pass thru). The receptacle is the only thing on the circuit, the breaker is 20A, and I verified the wiring is 12 AWG.

I know the NEC says that a 15A receptacle is OK on a 20A circuit as long as there are at least two receptacles on the circuit, and since it's a duplex that counts as two.

I don't necessarily want to just meet code, though. I want to make sure it's safe. In our case, the washer is rated 10A, and the iron that we plug into the same receptacle is also rated 10A. So my concern is whether running both the washer and the iron at the same time (total 20A) would exceed the capacity of the 15A receptacle, while at the same time it wouldn't trip the breaker.

I'd appreciate opinions on whether I should replace the 15A GFCI with a 20A, or whether it's fine as it is. Thanks.

 

[Arrow3030]

It's safe how it is.

 

[Rav]

It's safe how it is.

Thanks. Is that because the load is being shared between two receptacles (10A each), even though it's one device, and the fact that it's a 20A pass-thru? Just want to understand what makes it safe.

 

[ddawg16]

You are as safe as you can get.

 

[cad99]

Change it out if it will help you sleep at night. But your situation is common practice. The 20a version is shaped different to take a 20a plug as well the 15a. As long as the the circuit is decorated and you have a gfci its as good as gold for code.


Living the dream one nightmare at a time

 

[mpoulton]

Each set of three prong holes to insert a plug into is one "receptacle". Your duplex receptacle contains two receptacles. Each receptacle is rated for 15A, and the device is rated for 20A total combined between the receptacles. Totally fine.

 

[Rav]

Thanks, everyone. I'm glad to hear that, and as usual in this group I learned something too. I'll keep the GFCI as it is at 15A.

 

[Speedy Petey]

......
I know the NEC says that a 15A receptacle is OK on a 20A circuit as long as there are at least two receptacles on the circuit, and since it's a duplex that counts as two.

I don't necessarily want to just meet code, though. I want to make sure it's safe. In our case, the washer is rated 10A, and the iron that we plug into the same receptacle is also rated 10A. So my concern is whether running both the washer and the iron at the same time (total 20A) would exceed the capacity of the 15A receptacle, while at the same time it wouldn't trip the breaker.

I'd appreciate opinions on whether I should replace the 15A GFCI with a 20A, or whether it's fine as it is. Thanks.

You answered your own question.
A 15A GFI is TWO 15A receptacles on one yoke. That is what gives it a 15A "rating". It's still a 20A feed-thru.