On 15 Oct 2006 10:24:21 -0700, wrote:


ZZ wrote:
Hi There,

I'm confused on if I can replace an 15 amp receptacle with a 20 amp
receptacle. I want to be able to hook up a espresso machine in my kitchen
and the machine requires a 20amp circuit.

The particular circuit I want to change out has a 20 amp breaker coming from
the box using a 14 gauge wire to, 1 15 amp GFI receptacle & 2 15 amp
receptacles in the kitchen.

Will I be able to switch out 1 of the 15 amp receptacles with a 20 amp
receptacle without causing a problem?

Thanks,
Dave

I have installed quite a few 20-amp receptacles in my house as
replacements for 15-amp receptacles over the years. In fact, whenever I
happen to replace a 15-amp receptacle, I usually use a 20-amp
receptacle. Not because I'm actually going to draw 20-amps out of that
socket, but simply because they are higher-quality outlets. It usually
only takes a few minutes to swap them out.

I doubt if your expresso machine actually draws 20 amps. It probably
draws less than 10 amps. A nice little gadget to have around the house
is the "Kill A Watt" meter. It will tell you how much current any
device with a plug is drawing. They are relatively inexpensive. Here's
an example website
http://www.fadfusion.com/selection.p...FQjqYAodamF2Gw


I have one of those it's easy to use. When you first plug it in, it
shows the line voltage. That's make it easy to check for voltage drop
from load. Press one button and you're measuring current used by the
attached appliance.

It sounds like your house has been wired incorrectly. It makes me
wonder if you might have the basis for a lawsuit.
--
71 days until the winter solstice celebration

Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"God was invented by man for a reason, that
reason is no longer applicable."