Am I wrong in the opinion that the NEC and CEC are based on protecting the wires in the wall and the devices attached to those wires? Not necessarily the devices plugged into or attached to the circuit.
I am not sure about the NEC, but the CEC bases the maximum loading of circuit breakers at 80% of Maximum Capacity (or the manufacturers base loading at 80% continuous draw). Here in Canada, we are not allowed to put a NEMA 5-15R rated for 15amps on a 20amp circuit. It doesn't matter that the receptacle is rated for 20amp, it is classed as a 15amp device and is therefore required to be on a maximum 15amp circuit.
Further, we are not allowed to install the NEMA 5-20R on a 15amp circuit... the circuit and breaker must be wired to allow for the maximum ampacity of 20amp. However, there is no restriction to plugging a 15amp device into the 20amp T-slot device, as it is designed to accept both 15 and 20 amp devices.
Is this not correct?
[This message has been edited by ExpressQuote (edited 11-23-2006).]
