On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 12:06:33 -0400, Nate Nagel
wrote:

John Grabowski wrote:
"MiamiCuse" wrote in message
...

I had an electrican inspect an old house I bought and he said the wirings
and everything are fine and great. But many of the outlets and switches

are

getting flaky and sometimes the switches don't work. We decided to

replace

all outlets and switches. He told me to be on the safe side I should get

20

amps switches and outlets.

I went to Home Depot and found the normal 15 amp switches are $0.89 a

piece,

the 20 amp switches are $5.89 a piece. Big difference. I counted that I
need about 70 outlets and 45 switches so this adds up. Plus 3 way 20 amp
switches are even more expensive!

I called him and he said if I have outlets I might plug in a saw or vaccum
cleaner than I should get 20 amps if it's a desk lamp 15 amp is enough.

So

what is the basis for determining this if I have these switches:

For activating garage door openers.
For plugging in a central vac system.
For high hat lights (10 of them with one switch)
For high hat lights (a single one)
For outdoor dusk light
For a series of 5 florescent tube lights
For ceiling fan that has a light attachment
For a hallway a set of two high hat light

Can I use some 15 amps and some 20 amps, would really like to avoid the
expensive one if not really necessary.

Thanks,

MC



In addition to what everyone else said, I suggest that you consider
installing Decora style switches and receptacles as an upgrade. They have a
nice modern look to them. Sometimes you can buy these devices on sale at
Home Depot, but check at an electrical supply for box quantities (Ten to a
box). They may give you a great price like that.


I have been unable to find the "spec grade" Decora receps in a
contractor pack, only the cheap ones. You can get them individually at
Lowe's however. HD does not seem to carry them at all.


Go to a true electrical supply co.