CL (dnoyeB) Gilbert wrote:
wrote:
Greetings HorneTD,
"What is fifteen ampere about the receptacles is the blade pattern that
they are built with. "
Does this mean that everything else about the receptacle is 20 amps?
If so would it be safe to run 16 amps through a 15 amp receptacle on a
20 amp circuit? This is contrary to what I have heard but I have never
read anything either way. I know the plug of a UL listed device
wouldn't fit but imagine a 16 amp device with a 20 amp plug accessing
the 15 amp receptacle through a perfectly safe (although not UL listed)
20 amp to 15 amp plug style adapter.
Thank you for your time,
William
I like to know that answer as well. Is a 15amp receptacle the same as a
20amp receptacle except for the keying? I would bet the answer is yes.
The breaker is to protect the wiring 'system' which includes switches
and receptacles. A 20amp circuit can pass more current than a 15amp
receptacle. So consider this;
1. You have a device plugged into a 15amp receptacle.
2. Receptacle is on 20amp circuit.
3. Device fails with a resistive short.
4. Load through circuit exceeds 15amp system amount, but not 20amp
system amount (say 19amps).
So now you have the receptacle passing more current that its rated for,
but the breaker and wiring are fine. So I agree that the receptacle
must be rated for the full 20amps if its to be plugged into a 20amp
circuit, REGARDLESS of the keying.
And for this same reason I completely disagree with the 10amp switch
statement. A 10amp switch on a 20amp circuit has no protection and is a
danger. Can't say if its legal as I am not electrician.
Respectfully, CL Gilbert
Find a 15 Amp receptacle in the store, one that is in a box with some
writing on it. READ the specs that are either on the box or on a piece
of paper IN the box. In the USA, I have found that 15 Amp receptacles
are RATED at 20 Amps, but they will not allow a 20 Amp plug to be
inserted because of the pattern. I'm just repeating what others have
already said.
Also, it is NOT true that "A 10amp switch on a 20amp circuit has no
protection". It has 20 Amp protection! A lamp with flimsey lamp cord
on a 20 Amp circuit is also a danger, but it does have 20 Amp
protection! A short circuit on such a lamp cord will pop the 20 Amp
breaker. --Phil
--
Phil Munro Dept of Electrical & Computer Engin
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio 44555