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Joined: Feb 2003
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I have a 15A breaker supplying a 15A 120V receptacle. I have a power tool plugged into the receptacle and it draws 13A. It occasionally trips the breaker on start-up or when it is loaded down. I am planning to change the breaker to 20A. The wire is good for this but my question is- Do I have to change the duplex receptacle to a 20A 120V also? I think that I do because the receptacle would be able to provide more than 15A. Am I right? Thanks!
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Joined: Jun 2003
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If this breaker is supplying a single receptacle, than the receptacle has to be rated the same as the branch circuit that supplies it (210.21(B)(1).
210.21(B)(3) Table - shows that a 15 ampere rated receptacle can be supplied by a 20 ampere circuit. Provided there is more than one receptacle on that circuit.
Remember that a 20 ampere circuit requires a 12 AWG conductor. See 240.4(D).
Pierre
[This message has been edited by PCBelarge (edited 09-18-2004).]
Pierre Belarge
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Joined: Feb 2004
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210.21(B)(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.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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If the 15amp receptacle is a duplex, it is considered 2 receptacles and is allowed on a 20 amp circuit.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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210.21 would require the use of a 20amp device.
I guess this answer is just redundant.
[This message has been edited by russ m (edited 09-18-2004).]
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Joined: May 2001
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According to my CCS inspector the receptical must be rated for the breaker size.Started in the 98 code book i think.A T-slot recpiical rated at 20 amps is the only device they allow here in Ontario and its all you can do if you want to use 15a rated equipment on a 20a circuit.This is for Canada and i knew from the question you were another Canuk. Also at 80% rating 12 amps is the max allowable current draw on a 15 amp breaker according to code so the tool should be factory wired with 20A cord cap if its CSA.
[This message has been edited by frank (edited 09-19-2004).]
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Joined: Feb 2003
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It was my understanding that 210-21 refers to a SINGLE receptical not a DUPLEX receptical. Single = 1 receptical, duplex = 2 recepticals. I guess it is also a local interpitation thing.
I'm for 20A recepticalss on all 20A circuits. I would spend the extra $1 or so because you are getting a better device.
Tom
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Thanks guys! I will replace the breaker and receptacle both will be 20A.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 35
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One more thing (I don't know if anyone said this or not):
Your max load on a 15A circuit is 80% or 12A. If you exceed that, the breaker will likely trip (or even if you get close to 12A). Your max load on a 20A crkt is 16Amps.
This is a general rule and some exceptions can apply.
What you are doing is providing 125% for continuos duty (longer than 3 hours) and also you are building in a safety precaution by only going 80% as required in art. 220.
Anything at or near 12A requires a 20A circuit.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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CJS, a good reference to backup your theory is 210.23(A)(1)
Ron
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Posts: 57
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