Difference between 15 vs 15A Receptacle and Wire size

Hello all,

On homedepot website, the receptacle is of 15 or 15A.

Question 1> What is the difference between 15 and 15A? What is better for residential usage?

Question 2> How do I know the correct wire size allowed for the receptacle?

For example:
Leviton 15 Amp Duplex Outlet - White-R52-05320-00W - The Home Depot
Leviton Model # R52-05320-00W (2) 15 Amp Duplex Outlet - White

I searched the specification but I didn't find the wire specification. What I am looking for is whether the receptacle accepts #10, #12, #14 wire etc.

Thank you

 

The receptacle you linked to is a general purpose 15A receptacle. It can take #14 or #12 on the screw terminals. It is designed for a 15A maximum load but will pass 20A thru the screw terminals.

That receptacle may have the back stab or push in wire connections but I don't recommend it be connected in that manner. You may want to consider an upgrade receptacle, like a spec grade device, for longer life and a better connection for the plug.

This is the ProGrade line. They also offer a SpecGrade which I couldn't find online and is less then the ProGrade.

Leviton ProGrade 15 Amp Duplex Outlet - White (10-Pack)-M22-CBR15-WMP - The Home Depot

Many ProGrade devices will handle up to #10 wire.

 

Hello PJmax,

I will buy the product you recommended.

You didn't answer my question 1> and I assume there is no difference between 15 and 15A because I don't find anything through Google either.

Thank you

 

I didn't see a reference to a 15 - 15a receptacle on the HD website. Anyway, it is rated at 15 amps standing alone or 20 amps with pass through to another receptacle.

 

You have to understand that the info on the websites is often very poorly written. 15 is the same as 15A. ("A" stands for amps by the way). I think maybe thats the problem, you don't understand some basic electrical terms. I get that feeling based on your initial question.

If it hasn't been suggested before, I'd recommend buying a copy of "Wiring Simplified". Normally found in the electrical area. Very well written in simple terms and vital for a beginner.

The Internet has it's uses, but often books are better as they have been peer reviewed and updated.

 

Hello chandler,

Please check this one.

 

That is just poor categorization on the HD website. Many of the products there have less-than-useful attributes in the search/sort area. For example, there really is no rating less than 15A in standard residential wiring, yet there are numerous categories for amperages less than 15. The attributes are probably typed in by the procurement clerks who manage the company's inventory rather than people who are knowledgeable in each specific trade for which they sell parts.

 

Hello ibpoks,

Thank you!

 

Yeah, if you clicked on the "15", it would take you to the 15 amp section with their 71 selections, plus the other 226.