"Doug Miller" wrote in message
...
In article , "Toller"
wrote:

"Doug Miller" wrote in message
y.net...
In article , Terry
wrote:

If you have #14 gauge wire then you might still be able to use the
treadmill by only changing the receptacle. You should not change the
breaker in this case.

NO NO NO NO NO !!!! This is UNSAFE, because it enables plugging in a
load
that
will draw more current than the wire can safely carry. DO NOT put a
20amp
plug
on a circuit that has only 14ga wire. UNSAFE. ILLEGAL.

It is probably unsafe, but not necessarily.
They could have put a 20a plug on a device that draws 3a.

No, it IS unsafe, period -- because it enables plugging in a 20A load on a
circuit that cannot safely carry 20A. Maybe the load the OP is going to
plug
into it today only draws 3A -- but you can't predict what might be plugged
in
there tomorrow, or next week, or next year. It absolutely is unsafe to
attach
a 20A receptacle to a 15A circuit. There is a REASON why 20A plugs and
receptacles exist: to keep them from being plugged in on 15A circuits.

Except for my table saw I don't think I have even seen anything that
required 20a. Chances of a problem are remote. Especially since a) it
would only be a small overload; my 23a water heater ran on #12 for 35 years
before I noticed it, and b) the breaker should cover it.

However, your point is not without merit. If the item can run on a 15a
circuit it would be better to change the plug.