Residential Branch Circuit

[ktoliver]

Can 15A rated general duplex receptacles (the device) be used on a 20A breaker protected circuit fed by #12 romex?

 

[MacGyverS2000]

I can't imagine how it would be legal... but it would work... right up until someone tried to pull 20A from the outlet for any length of time.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[stephenw22]

If you switched the breaker to a 15A, you'd be fine, otherwise not legal.

Couldn't you just use a dual-purpose 15A/20A receptacle? Ones where you can fit both the (||) and (-|) plugs into?

 

[ktoliver]

Interestingly enough I was looking through NEC today and found that 210.21(B)(3) lists 15 or 20 amp rated receptacles as acceptable on 20 amp branch circuits serving multiple oulets.

Am I reading this wrong?

 

[SteveWag]

ktvoliver is correct, 15 amp receptacles CAN be used on a branch protected at 20 amps and using #12 Cu wire. It's been that way since at least 1950, the oldest code book I have.

Steve Wagner

 

[mcgyvr]

yep, thats how it is in my master bedroom..
multiple 15A receptacles on a 20 amp circuit.

and its only a 20 Amp circuit because the electricians ran out of 14 awg wire and used 12 awg and the inspector caught it and made them put in the 20A breaker instead of replacing the wire.

 

[SteveWag]

There is no code supporting the replacement of the 15 amp breaker in mcgver's case. The 15 amp breaker met all code provisions.

Steve Wagner

 

[MacGyverS2000]

You can always use thicker wire for a specific sized breaker, just not the other way around. The inspector requesting that a 20A breaker be on the circuit simply because 12 gauge was used seems odd...

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[mcgyvr]

I thought it was ridiculous too (but its North Carolina so Im not suprised). It actually delayed me moving in because the electrician couldn't get to it immediately (so I was told).
I wasn't aware of the reason until after it occured (and I moved in) or I would have given the inspector a lesson in NEC codes.