ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by gfretwell - 03/28/24 12:43 AM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
2 members (Scott35, gfretwell), 276 guests, and 15 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#92964 04/21/05 08:22 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,507
G
Member
Would it be proper to tap a 20a circuit at each outlet with a short (6 inch) piece of #14 wire to install a duplex 15a receptacle? I seem to remember a discussion on this before but can't find the code reference. Only thing I find is 210.19(A)(4)(c) and it says "No" Comments please.


George Little
Stay up to Code with the Latest NEC:


>> 2023 NEC & Related Reference & Exam Prep
2023 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides

Pass Your Exam the FIRST TIME with the Latest NEC & Exam Prep

>> 2020 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides
 

#92965 04/21/05 08:37 AM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 613
S
Member
240.4(D) restricts #14 to be connected to a 15 amp overcurrent device...

Now, there are exceptions to this rule, but as you pointed out, 210.19(4) exception No. 1(c) spells out the restriction of taps connected to receptacle outlets...

shortcircuit

#92966 04/21/05 01:09 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
There is an exception for lamp holders and luminaires but I don't think that extends to a receptacle. Receptacles are the reason for 240.4(D) in the first place IMHO. The installer has no control over what a user does so they build the 80% safety factor into the installation.


Greg Fretwell
#92967 04/21/05 10:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
Code is pretty blunt in saying that you can't do this with receptacles...you can put 15 amp receptacles on a 20 amp circuit, but you can't pigtail with #14- even though general tap rules would otherwise allow it.

I, for one, do not understand why code denies this practice. Are they trying to prevent the use of cheap 'back-stab' receptacles on 20 amp circuits? Your guess is as good as anyones'.

#92968 06/23/05 09:50 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11
J
Member
It would seem reasonable for a single 15a receptacle ... until a cube tap gets plugged in. A duplex would need dual 15a taps. Hence, NO!

#92969 06/24/05 11:58 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
In George's question he implied that all of this tap would be inside a box so the hazard is probably not there but it is still a <technical> code violation. If this was simply to pigtail in a receptacle I doubt anyone would ever actually have any problems.


Greg Fretwell

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5