15A outlets with 20A circuit?
#1
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15A outlets with 20A circuit?
I know that there is such a thing as a *dedicated* 20A outlet: 20A breaker, 12 AWG wire, single 20A receptacle (with the "T" slot on one plug). But I'd like to wire up *shared* 20A outlets: 20A breaker, 12 AWG wire, multiple receptacles. I don't need for any one receptacle to provide more than 15A, but I'd like for the circuit to be able to distribute up to 20A across 2 or more receptacles. Sounds simple, but I'm finding that the "bulk" standard outlets say they are only rated at 15A. I think that while they can't supply more than 15A to anything plugged into it, but they can still pass up to 20A on down the "daisy-chained" circuit of receptacles. Can anyone confirm this? Apologies in advance if this specifically has been asked and answered before (I searched and didn't find it), and/or if this is a stupid question!
#3
Yes, 15A receptacles are rated for 20A pass-through. However if you actually intend to use receptacles at or near their rated ampacities or for frequent plug-unplug, I recommend that you avoid the bulk receptacles and get the more expensive commercial duty or "spec grade" receptacles. There is a huge difference in quality between the $0.49 and $2.49 receptacles.
Last edited by ibpooks; 07-17-08 at 12:54 PM.
#4
This is one of the most commonly asked questions on this forum. The answers you've already been given are the standard. Almost all homes in the U.S. have one or more 20-amp receptacle circuits, and almost none of those homes have any 20-amp receptacles. You can likely verify this by looking in your own kitchen and bathrooms.