20 Amp plugs

[bacon4life]

How often do NEMA 2-20 amp 120V plugs get used? I routinely see 20 amp recepticles, but I can't recall ever seeing a 20 amp device using one.

 

[itsmoked]

I just put in a no-name junker lumber store 15A GFI outlet.

One week later I was talking on the phone when it started buzzing loudly!! I couldn't even talk over the noise. It buzzed for about 20 seconds then exploded... I took it back and bought a Leviton 20A GFI and replaced it. It works.

Really though you want 20s in places like work shops and garages so when you plug in air compressors and other power tools that draw 14.9A when running you actually have a chance of them starting.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[stevenal]

A window air conditioner may have such a plug.

 

[dpc]

I've seen commercial vacuums, central vac systems, and some hospital equipment with 20 A plugs, but you're right, it's not very common.

Hubbell used to hand out sample receptacles cut down the middle so the current-carrying paths were easy to trace out. There's a big difference between a spec-grade receptacle and the $0.99 specials. Those cheapo power strips are even scarier inside.

 

[resqcapt19]

Keith,

Really though you want 20s in places like work shops and garages so when you plug in air compressors and other power tools that draw 14.9A when running you actually have a chance of them starting.

As far as the difference between 15 and 20 amp receptacles, if you compare them from the same brand and series, you will find that the only difference is the "T" slot on the face. The internal contacts are the same. Yes, there are big differences between brands or "no-brands" and even between different series of the same brand.
Don

 

[DonPhillips]

Older, commercial copiers needed 20A circuits but I think even these are running on 15A circuits now.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com