ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues outlets

can 15a rec. be wired to a 20a circuit using the feed thru screws on the rec.? or would you have to splice conductors so there is no more than one wire on device?

Only the grounded conductor and then only if it is part of a multiwire branch circuit. 300.13(B). If it were my job I'd pigtail both of the circuit conductors because it's a more reliable job. But, code is minimum and that's what all I can ask for as an inspector.

Yes

Gee Ryan ... a one word answer. You must not have had your morning coffee

The answer is definitely yes. The neutral should be pigtailed if it's part of a multi-wire circuit, unless the breaker handles are tied together.

The only difference between 15- and 20-amp receptacles of the same grade is the 20-amp-plug rejection of the 15-amp receptacle.

In other words, the slot shape is the only difference; the internals are the same. Ever notice that 15-amp GFCI receptacles are feed-thru rated for 20 amps?

#12 wire will not fit in the stab-in slot on a 15 amp receptacle. It is Code legal to install 15 amp receptacles on a 20 amp circuit if there is more than one receptacle on the circuit--if only one receptacle (or one duplex) then it must be 20 amp rating. Use the screws to attach the wire. Do not pigtail #14 wire on a 20 amp circuit. As for multi-wire circuits, always splice the neutral(solid neutral) whether the handles are tied together or not. It is not required to tie the handles--but I believe it should be required. 20 A receptacles have no stab-in slots. Usually the blade holding hardware is stronger. On 20 A circuits, I pigtail hot, neutral, and ground in each box it speeds up the finish electridal.

210.4 Multiwire Branch Circuits.
(C) Line-to-Neutral Loads. Multiwire branch circuits shall supply only line-to-neutral loads.
Exception No. 1: A multiwire branch circuit that supplies only one utilization equipment.
Exception No. 2: Where all ungrounded conductors of the multiwire branch circuit are opened simultaneously by the branch-circuit overcurrent device.


210.21 Outlet Devices.
Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating that is not less than the load to be served and shall comply with 210.21(A) and (B).
(B) Receptacles.
(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.


ARTICLE 100 Definitions
Receptacle. A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.


300.13 Mechanical and Electrical Continuity — Conductors.
(B) Device Removal. In multiwire branch circuits, the continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on device connections such as lampholders, receptacles, and so forth, where the removal of such devices would interrupt the continuity.

[This message has been edited by Larry Fine (edited 04-29-2005).]

[This message has been edited by Larry Fine (edited 04-29-2005).]

Larry

Handle ties or not 300.13(B) requires the pig tailing of the neutral.

The exception you highlighted, 210.4(C)Exception No. 2 has no influence on the 300.13(B) requirement to pigtail the grounded conductor.

Bob

You're absolutely correct. My apologies.

Yeah...you got me there!