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#71961 11/11/06 11:17 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 812
Member
Okay, we've all know that a 15amp recept. will work fine on a 20amp circuit, but what about GFCIs?

I overheard an argument at the big Orange Box tonight while getting some light sockets for a traffic signal. The "Expert" and an electrician were in a heated argument about using 15amp GFCIs on 20amp circuits. The HD Guys said you could, the electrician said you can't. Which one is it? Something tells me 15amp GFCIs shouldn't be used on 20amp circuits though...

Ian A.


Is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 943
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Read the instructions, most* are rate for 20A feed through.


* BTW, never have seen one that was not.

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
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Member
In Canada when the new code came out about using 20a GFI's beside the sink, I used a 15 amp GFI on a 12awg-20amp circuit and got a defect from the inspector. I noticed "20amp" is printed on the side of a 15 amp GFI(Leviton) so I thought I could use it.

This is the only code I can find right now.

CEC 14-600 Receptacles shall not be connected to a branch circuit having overcurrent protection rated or set at more than the ampere rating of the receptacle except as permitted by other Sections of this Code.

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
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Member
Found another code CEC 26-712(d) where it refers to kithen receptacles it states either "15amp SPLIT or 20amp T-slot" receptacles.
So until they make a 15amp GFI that you can split - in Canada - I say no!

Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 83
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Quote
Found another code CEC 26-712(d) where it refers to kithen receptacles it states either "15amp SPLIT or 20amp T-slot" receptacles.
So until they make a 15amp GFI that you can split - in Canada - I say no!

The new T-Slot GFCI Receptacles are rated for 15amp and 20amp.

My understanding is that although the 15amp GFCI is Rated for 20amp, the configuration is meant for 15amp only. However, the T-Slot is rated and will take a 15 or 20 amp cord.

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
E
Member
T-slots can be used for 15 or 20amp appliances- they are not rated for 15 or 20 amp.
What I'm saying is you can't use the t-slot on a 15 amp circuit and you can't use a 15amp GFI on a 20amp circuit.

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
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Moderator
No offense meant to our Canadian friends but can we use the NEC here. [Linked Image]

A GFCI receptacle is above all else still a UL listed receptacle.

Both the NEC and UL expects and allows 15 amp duplex receptacles on 20 amp circuits.

If a 15 amp rated receptacle has a UL listing it will be listed for use on 20 amp circuits.


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 111
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Member
No offence taken - I should get a copy of the NEC for reference.
I find it odd that the NEC allows this? Can you use a 20amp receptacle on a 30a circuit, or a 30a receptacle on a 40a circuit? Or is there a code just for the t-slot GFI's.
Can you use regular 15amp receptacles on a 20amp circuit? Can you use t-slots on a 15amp circuit?

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
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Moderator
Good morning Eddy.

I agree at the outset it sounds odd.

The NEC allows multiple 15 amp receptacles on 15 or 20 amp branch circuits.

If it is a circuit with just a single receptacle than you would need a 20 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit.

The thing to keep in mind is that a listed 15 amp receptacle is designed and tested to be used on a 20 amp circuit.


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,213
S
Member
Are all 15A GFCI receptacles designed and listed to serve 20A on the load terminals, or must we be careful when buying?

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