On Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:45:08 +0000, Let's get it right!
wrote:

replying to krw , Let's get it right! wrote:
krw wrote:

On Sat, 14 Dec 2013 14:45:17 -0600, "Irreverent Maximus"
Why? It allows you to use both 15A and 20A appliances.
Because it allows both sorts of appliances to be plugged in? Note
that it would be against code to install this outlet on a 15A circuit.
You haven't looked hard enough. They aren't all that common because
most appliances draw less than 15A, so 15A cords are plenty. However,
they do exist. Many air conditioners have 20A plugs. The plugs are
also available at the usual places.


A NEMA 5-15 plug and cord set applied to a 20-ampere branch circuit could
be exposed to approximately 78% more real power than it's Listed rating.
The conductors are essentially resistors ... and in a resistive circuit,
power increases as the square of current.

Wrong. What is the rating of 18ga wire? ...or are you saying that
there are no appliances with 18ga wire? I suppose it's illegal to plug
a lamp into a NEMA 5-15 outlet on a 20A circuit? You'd probably ****
if you caught me plugging a lamp into a NEMA 5-20 outlet! sheesh

Subsequently (20 amperes)^2 is
much greater than (15-amperes)^2. As a result, the power cord will
overheat and possibly burn up. It's really quite easy to conduct this
experiment with an extension cord ... but have a fire extinguisher present
.. because loading up a "Listed" extension cord beyond it's listing or
labeling requirements will most probably result in a fire/electrical
hazard ... and since it's listing efforts (Testing for Public Safety) did
not include exposing the extension cord to possible overloading (up to
20-amperes).

Completely irrelevant. The circuit breaker is *NOT* there to protect
your cord, or appliance. Good grief! LEARN SOMETHING!