Ray wrote:
Can 15 amp receptacles be used in a 20 Amp circuit ??
Does this also apply to light switches ???
Thanks
I don't know were some of these completely erroneous answers are coming
from but it isn't from the US National Electric Code.
"210.21 Outlet Devices.
Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating that is not less than the
load to be served and shall comply with 210.21(A) and (B).
(B) Receptacles.
(1) Single Receptacle on an Individual Branch Circuit. A single
receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an
ampere rating not less than that of the branch circuit.
(2) Total Cord-and-Plug-Connected Load. Where connected to a branch
circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, a receptacle shall
not supply a total cord-and-plug-connected load in excess of the maximum
specified in Table 210.21(B)(2).
Table 210.21(B)(2) Maximum Cord-and-Plug-Connected Load to Receptacle
Circuit Rating Receptacle Rating Maximum Load
(Amperes) (Amperes) (Amperes)
15 or 20 15 12
20 20 16
30 30 24
(3) Receptacle Ratings. Where connected to a branch circuit supplying
two or more receptacles or outlets, receptacle ratings shall conform to
the values listed in Table 210.21(B)(3), or where larger than 50
amperes, the receptacle rating shall not be less than the branch-circuit
rating.
Exception No. 1: Receptacles for one or more cord-and-plug-connected arc
welders shall be permitted to have ampere ratings not less than the
minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity permitted by 630.11(A) or (B)
as applicable for arc welders.
Exception No. 2: The ampere rating of a receptacle installed for
electric discharge lighting shall be permitted to be based on 410.30(C).
Table 210.21(B)(3) Receptacle Ratings for Various Size Circuits
Circuit Rating (Amperes) Receptacle Rating (Amperes)
15 Not over 15
20 15 or 20
30 30
40 40 or 50
50 50
404.14 Rating and Use of Snap Switches.
Snap switches shall be used within their ratings and as indicated in
404.14(A) through (D).
FPN No. 1:For switches on signs and outline lighting, see 600.6.
FPN No. 2:For switches controlling motors, see 430.83, 430.109, and 430.110.
(A) Alternating Current General-Use Snap Switch. A form of general-use
snap switch suitable only for use on ac circuits for controlling the
following:
(1) Resistive and inductive loads, including electric-discharge lamps,
not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the voltage involved
(2) Tungsten-filament lamp loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the
switch at 120 volts
(3) Motor loads not exceeding 80 percent of the ampere rating of the
switch at its rated voltage
(B) Alternating-Current or Direct-Current General-Use Snap Switch. A
form of general-use snap switch suitable for use on either ac or dc
circuits for controlling the following:
(1) Resistive loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the switch at the
voltage applied.
(2) Inductive loads not exceeding 50 percent of the ampere rating of the
switch at the applied voltage. Switches rated in horsepower are suitable
for controlling motor loads within their rating at the voltage applied.
(3) Tungsten-filament lamp loads not exceeding the ampere rating of the
switch at the applied voltage if T-rated.
(C) CO/ALR Snap Switches. Snap switches rated 20 amperes or less
directly connected to aluminum conductors shall be listed and marked CO/ALR.
(D) Alternating-Current Specific-Use Snap Switches Rated for 347 Volts..."
Snipped as not applicable to home repair.
Copyright 2002 National Fire Protection Association
--
Tom Horne
Well we aren't no thin blue heroes and yet we aren't no blackguards to.
We're just working men and woman most remarkable like you.
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