ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Wiring 15A Receptacles

Are those cheap 15A receptacles rated to be wired up as a pass-through for a 20A receptacle circuit? EG, put the wire in from panel on one screw, and out to the next rcpt on the other screw? There isn't any labeling on them to indicate that the jumper bar is rated for 20A, but I've seen this done before.

Yes, and you can find the info in the UL white book (General Directory)

If you really look at the same grade and brand 15 and 20 amp receptacles you will find the 'guts' are the same only the plastic face is different.

Steve, I agree with Bob, and will add that if you are dealing with a multi-wire branch circuit the neutral must be pigtailed, see 300.13(B)

Roger

Thanks guys, that makes it easy I only have 1 multiwire string in the whole house (two 240V 30A tool outlets in the shop) and was planning to pigtail it regardless!

we always pigtail both hot and neut."pretend there is only one screw on each side"

Steve if your 240 volt tool circuit doesn't have a neutral, it's not a multiwire branch circuit.