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15 amp rated light switch and outlets on a 20 amp circuit breaker
Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up.
Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. |
#2
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Geez, didn't you get enough answers last time?
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#3
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Actually, my questions weren't answered directly, kind of got the talk
around. Sorry to bug you. "toller" wrote in message ... Geez, didn't you get enough answers last time? |
#4
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http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...76607?v=glance
"Eric and Megan Swope" wrote in message news:yAxce.462$yd1.26@trndny01... Actually, my questions weren't answered directly, kind of got the talk around. Sorry to bug you. "toller" wrote in message ... Geez, didn't you get enough answers last time? |
#5
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On Fri, 29 Apr 2005 21:18:44 GMT, "Eric and Megan Swope"
wrote: Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. The short answer is it's probably ok. The longer answer is that you should buy, borrow, or steal a code-book (an obsolete one will do fine) read the relevent sections. |
#6
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Eric and Megan Swope wrote:
Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. It's okay. Worse case, you put 19 amps worth of lights on the switch which eventually melts causing a short which trips the circuit breaker. |
#7
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On Fri, 29 Apr 2005 17:35:47 -0500, "HeyBub"
wrote: Eric and Megan Swope wrote: Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. It's okay. Worse case, you put 19 amps worth of lights on the switch which eventually melts causing a short which trips the circuit breaker. it may be fine according to code, but if it were me, i would change those 20 amp breakers to 15s. if there's a fire, you'd have some splaining to do. and when you tell the insurance man that you got your advice on an internet newsgroup, his head will not stop shaking. sideways. not up-and-down. ....thehick |
#8
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Replies are in line
Eric and Megan Swope wrote: Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? The fifteen ampere light switches are fine as long as the connected load is fifteen amperes or fewer. Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. Multiple, i.e. two or more, fifteen ampere receptacles are fine on twenty ampere circuits in US practice. Using a fifteen ampere switch to control more than one fifteen ampere outlet on a twenty ampere circuit is not OK because you would be using the switch to control loads that may be more than it is tested to control. A fifteen ampere switch should not control more than a single fifteen ampere receptacle on a twenty ampere circuit. On a fifteen ampere circuit it would be perfectly acceptable to use a fifteen ampere switch to control the entire circuit. -- Tom H |
#9
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Thanks Tom. On the 20 amp circuit, the 15 amp light switch controls only
one 15 amp outlet, not more, so according to your response, this is acceptable? "HorneTD" wrote in message nk.net... Replies are in line Eric and Megan Swope wrote: Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? The fifteen ampere light switches are fine as long as the connected load is fifteen amperes or fewer. Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. Multiple, i.e. two or more, fifteen ampere receptacles are fine on twenty ampere circuits in US practice. Using a fifteen ampere switch to control more than one fifteen ampere outlet on a twenty ampere circuit is not OK because you would be using the switch to control loads that may be more than it is tested to control. A fifteen ampere switch should not control more than a single fifteen ampere receptacle on a twenty ampere circuit. On a fifteen ampere circuit it would be perfectly acceptable to use a fifteen ampere switch to control the entire circuit. -- Tom H |
#10
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Most outlets have two or more plug-in receptacles, if each of one load was
15-amps the other only 5 amps, the load would be 20-amps on the switch which would not trip a 20-amp breaker. The switch could overheat. All such circuits should probably be breakered with quick-trip 15 amp breakers. Check your code book and call someone that knows! My post is merely one illustration, --pay little heed to it. - udarrell -- Air-Conditioning Manufacturing Companies - Adding Marketing Values to A/C Equipment http://www.udarrell.com/aircondition...companies.html ============================================ "Eric and Megan Swope" wrote in message news:Uwxce.452$Ab.180@trndny04... Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. |
#11
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"Eric and Megan Swope" wrote:
I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Yes, with the assumption that the controlled devices are 15 amps or less total. If you are actually going to be switching high amperage always on circuits, you are better off spending a few more bucks on a really good switch, that will hold up, and not burn out. For just a single 60w bulb, a cheap switch is ok. Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. It is probably better that way, with the 15 amp outlets that are controlled, since they will prevent 20 amp plugs from being plugged in. Note, as an American, I've not seen any 20 amp appliances, they are not at all common. |
#12
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Eric and Megan Swope wrote:
Thanks Tom. On the 20 amp circuit, the 15 amp light switch controls only one 15 amp outlet, not more, so according to your response, this is acceptable? Yes -- Tom H |
#13
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udarrell wrote:
Most outlets have two or more plug-in receptacles, if each of one load was 15-amps the other only 5 amps, the load would be 20-amps on the switch which would not trip a 20-amp breaker. The switch could overheat. All such circuits should probably be breakered with quick-trip 15 amp breakers. Check your code book and call someone that knows! My post is merely one illustration, --pay little heed to it. - udarrell I didn't write outlet I wrote single receptacle. So as they might say in a court room drama, asked and answered council, argumentative. -- Tom H |
#14
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If your house was wired correctly - #14 Romex on the 15 amp circuits and #12
Romex on the 20 amp circuits, you'll find that you'll have a hard time getting the #12 wire to fit in a switch or recepticle rated for 15 amps if you use the push terminals (and not the screws). 20 amp outlets and switches cost only pennies more than 15 amp ones. Spend the extra buck or two for the proper equipment and do it right the first time. If you find that you have #14 Romex on a 20 amp circuit - change out the breaker for a 15 amp one. All easy to do - but if you have misgivings or are unsure of things, have a licensed electrician do the work for you. "Eric and Megan Swope" wrote in message news:Uwxce.452$Ab.180@trndny04... Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. |
#15
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Let me rephrase...
#12 Romex = 20 amp circuit = 20 amp circuit breaker = use 20 amp rated outlets/switches #14 Romex = 15 amp circuit = 15 amp circuit breaker = use 15 amp rated outlets/switches #14 Romex is slightly thinner and somewhat more flexible and easier to work with than #12. #12 Romex will not fit in a 15 amp outlet. #14 will fit in a 20 amp outlet, but it won' t be a tight connection (if it feels loose or has play in the connection - you're using an outlet rated higher than the circuit). You can run 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit - no issues there, but for the ease of wiring it up - it's best to use the outlet matched to the circuit (I found this out the hard way when putting new outlets in a house we just bought - our dining room is on a 20 amp kitchen circuit - was bit of a bitch connecting #12 wire to the screw terminals since I couldn't push them into the holes made for #14 wire). If you stay consistent with your wiring, it'll be easier down the road when you need to change out switches / outlets. "Les Wilson" wrote in message ... If your house was wired correctly - #14 Romex on the 15 amp circuits and #12 Romex on the 20 amp circuits, you'll find that you'll have a hard time getting the #12 wire to fit in a switch or recepticle rated for 15 amps if you use the push terminals (and not the screws). 20 amp outlets and switches cost only pennies more than 15 amp ones. Spend the extra buck or two for the proper equipment and do it right the first time. If you find that you have #14 Romex on a 20 amp circuit - change out the breaker for a 15 amp one. All easy to do - but if you have misgivings or are unsure of things, have a licensed electrician do the work for you. "Eric and Megan Swope" wrote in message news:Uwxce.452$Ab.180@trndny04... Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. |
#16
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Thanks Les. I know the house is wired correctly, 12 gauge on a 20 amp, 14
gauge on a 15 amp. The house is 40 years old, and when we bought it 2 years ago, they only had the 2 prong outlets. I replaced them with 3 pronged outlets, and used the same rating that was on the old 2 prong ones, 15 amp. I just heard from others in this newsgroup that my outlets and switches should match the breaker they are on (20 amp breaker, 20 amp rated switches and outlets). I was lucky, I used the screw terminals, original electrician left plenty of extra wire in the box, so it wasn't hard attaching the wire to the screw terminal. I was more concerned for safety, especially since we now have a 1 week old baby. I know there are 15 amp rated switches and 15 amp rated outlets on a 20 amp breaker. The 15 amp switches either control a 15 amp rated outlet, or overhead lights (no more than one 100 watt bulb per switch). If my situation doesn't create a fire hazard, I would certainly love to spend the time with my new son, but if it is a safety issue, then I will have to squeeze in some home repair time. If you get a chance to give me your opinion again, I would appreciate it. "Les Wilson" wrote in message ... Let me rephrase... #12 Romex = 20 amp circuit = 20 amp circuit breaker = use 20 amp rated outlets/switches #14 Romex = 15 amp circuit = 15 amp circuit breaker = use 15 amp rated outlets/switches #14 Romex is slightly thinner and somewhat more flexible and easier to work with than #12. #12 Romex will not fit in a 15 amp outlet. #14 will fit in a 20 amp outlet, but it won' t be a tight connection (if it feels loose or has play in the connection - you're using an outlet rated higher than the circuit). You can run 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit - no issues there, but for the ease of wiring it up - it's best to use the outlet matched to the circuit (I found this out the hard way when putting new outlets in a house we just bought - our dining room is on a 20 amp kitchen circuit - was bit of a bitch connecting #12 wire to the screw terminals since I couldn't push them into the holes made for #14 wire). If you stay consistent with your wiring, it'll be easier down the road when you need to change out switches / outlets. "Les Wilson" wrote in message ... If your house was wired correctly - #14 Romex on the 15 amp circuits and #12 Romex on the 20 amp circuits, you'll find that you'll have a hard time getting the #12 wire to fit in a switch or recepticle rated for 15 amps if you use the push terminals (and not the screws). 20 amp outlets and switches cost only pennies more than 15 amp ones. Spend the extra buck or two for the proper equipment and do it right the first time. If you find that you have #14 Romex on a 20 amp circuit - change out the breaker for a 15 amp one. All easy to do - but if you have misgivings or are unsure of things, have a licensed electrician do the work for you. "Eric and Megan Swope" wrote in message news:Uwxce.452$Ab.180@trndny04... Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. |
#17
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In article , "Les Wilson" wrote:
If your house was wired correctly - #14 Romex on the 15 amp circuits and #12 Romex on the 20 amp circuits, you'll find that you'll have a hard time getting the #12 wire to fit in a switch or recepticle rated for 15 amps if you use the push terminals (and not the screws). There's good reason for that: those push terminals are made for use with 14ga wire, and *not* for 12ga. You're not _supposed_ to be able to put 12ga wire into them. -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com) Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt. And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time? |
#18
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In article LMSce.3248$4v.1199@trndny03, "Eric and Megan Swope" wrote:
I just heard from others in this newsgroup that my outlets and switches should match the breaker they are on (20 amp breaker, 20 amp rated switches and outlets). You haven't been listening - this is *not* correct. 15A receptacles on a 20A circuit is _perfectly_fine_. -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com) Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt. And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time? |
#19
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it may be fine according to code, but if it were me, i would
change those 20 amp breakers to 15s. if there's a fire, you'd have some splaining to do. and when you tell the insurance man that you got your advice on an internet newsgroup, his head will not stop shaking. sideways. not up-and-down. When getting our new home wired in 1998, I asked the electrician to use 12G instead of 14 GA. They did but then used 20A breakers....and 15A outlets and switches. I asked about that and they said there would be no problem, that it was OK by code R. |
#20
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Thanks Rudy. I know from reading your post that your electrician used 20 amp
breakers with 12 gauge wire. I know 14 gauge wire can not be used on anything over 15 amps, but I believe 12 gauge wire can be used on 15 amp breakers with no harm correct? "Rudy" wrote in message news:qL_ce.1182673$6l.56377@pd7tw2no... it may be fine according to code, but if it were me, i would change those 20 amp breakers to 15s. if there's a fire, you'd have some splaining to do. and when you tell the insurance man that you got your advice on an internet newsgroup, his head will not stop shaking. sideways. not up-and-down. When getting our new home wired in 1998, I asked the electrician to use 12G instead of 14 GA. They did but then used 20A breakers....and 15A outlets and switches. I asked about that and they said there would be no problem, that it was OK by code R. |
#21
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Yes this is fine and is very common.
And if I were a contractor wiring another persons house, I would install cheap 15 amp switches and outlets on 20 amp circuits. -More profit for me! For *my* house, it is a different story! I like long lasting quality. I have installed "commercial grade" 20 amp outlets and switches on 20 amp circuits. I did this because these are better quality switches and outlets. So if replacing an outlet (especially one which is frequently used), you will have the option of installing a 50 cent outlet or a $2.50 commercial grade 20 amp outlet. The $2.50 outlet will last longer and will make better contact with the plug. It makes my life more pleasant when I don't need to be bending the prongs of a plug to get it to stay in a worn out outlet. And so far as the 20 amp "commercial grade" switches go. Also better quality. If I were in your shoes, I would not go around replacing all the switches and outlets since they are already installed. But if one needed replacement, I would go with the higher quality 20 amp "commercial grade" switch or outlet. I also bought a $150.00 "commercial grade" front door lockset. (Can only buy at a locksmith.) This will last a lifetime. I've known other people who buy $30 locksets, then in ten years buy another because it is worn out $30 + $30 = $60, then again in the next ten years $60 + $30 = $90, etc. $120, $150. Hummm, I guess they spend the same on their locksets as I did on mine, except I don't need to replace mine every 10 years.... "Eric and Megan Swope" wrote in message Hi again. I started a new thread because the old one was getting filled up. Below are my basic questions I would like answered if someone could please help me out so I know if I have to go back and replace some switches and/or receptacles. Thanks. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage, dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light switches? Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as well, is that alright? Thanks for any help. |
#22
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In article _r6de.3134$c86.2661@trndny09, "Eric and Megan Swope" wrote:
Thanks Rudy. I know from reading your post that your electrician used 20 amp breakers with 12 gauge wire. I know 14 gauge wire can not be used on anything over 15 amps, but I believe 12 gauge wire can be used on 15 amp breakers with no harm correct? That's correct. 14ga copper is the *minimum* for 15A circuits. -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com) Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt. And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time? |
#23
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"Eric and Megan Swope" wrote in message news:_r6de.3134$c86.2661@trndny09... Thanks Rudy. I know from reading your post that your electrician used 20 amp breakers with 12 gauge wire. I know 14 gauge wire can not be used on anything over 15 amps, but I believe 12 gauge wire can be used on 15 amp breakers with no harm correct? I assumed it could..they described it (12GA) as "overkill" I didnt ask for the 20A breakers..they just ended up in there R |
#24
Posted to alt.home.repair
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15 amp rated light switch and outlets on a 20 amp circuit breaker
replying to Eric and Megan Swope, K2 wrote:
Just asked my electrician the same question, yes its legal and to code here in Washington State to use multiple 15amp outlets on 12 wire and 20 amp breaker. L&I inspector agreed and says its installed per code. -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...br-648978-.htm |
#25
Posted to alt.home.repair
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15 amp rated light switch and outlets on a 20 amp circuit breaker
On Tue, 13 Aug 2019 11:44:02 +0000, K2
m wrote: replying to Eric and Megan Swope, K2 wrote: Just asked my electrician the same question, yes its legal and to code here in Washington State to use multiple 15amp outlets on 12 wire and 20 amp breaker. L&I inspector agreed and says its installed per code. Switches should be sized to the load but 15a receptacles are actually rated to pass through 20a. The listing on any equipment using a 15a (NEMA 5-15) plug should be limited at 12a or 80% of 15a. I have seen some non-compliant equipment but it is rare. Usually the labeling is bogus, like those "1800 watt" hair dryers that are actually more like 1400w. |
#26
Posted to alt.home.repair
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15 amp rated light switch and outlets on a 20 amp circuit breaker
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