is 15A switch on 20A circuit safe?
#1
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is 15A switch on 20A circuit safe?
Tried to buy 20A switches today for my new bathroom fan and lights, but there weren't any. Does NEC really allow me to use a 15A switch? Is that safe? Suppose somebody put a nail through the wire. Wouldn't the switch fail before the breaker tripped?
#2
A 15 amp switch is fine. Rarely are you switching a 20 amp load, if ever in a house.
A nail thru the wire may create a short and trip the breaker.
A nail thru the wire may create a short and trip the breaker.
#3
Does NEC really allow me to use a 15A switch?
Suppose somebody put a nail through the wire. Wouldn't the switch fail before the breaker tripped?
There is also a large "fudge" factor built into the switch design.
#5
In reality lighting load will be far less then it is rated for in most cases than 15 amps.