"Bob Vaughan" wrote in message
...
In article qr2Ie.28703$mC.10857@okepread07, Ray
wrote:
Can 15 amp receptacles be used in a 20 Amp circuit ??

Does this also apply to light switches ???

Thanks



Yes, 15 amp receptacles may be used on 20 amp circuits except for
circuits
dedicated to a particular purpose (ie: window air conditioners),
where the
entire load on the circuit is drawn thru a single outlet.

The circuit wiring must be sized for the overcurrent protection (ie:
12awg
for 20 amp circuits) throughout the circuit. (no 14awg pigtails to
feed
15amp outlets).

ditto for light switches, so long as the connected load does not
exceed
80% of the switch rating. (if you are actually switching 15amp
loads,
you really need to use a 20amp switch..) In reality, you're
probably not
going to be switching 1440watts worth of lighting on a single
switch..)


Although, unless the Code has changed since my latest book (1999), the
80% rule for switches applies to motor loads. But your point is well
taken!