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Joined: Jan 2004
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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
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Joined: Jun 2004
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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
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Joined: Jul 2004
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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
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Joined: Jan 2005
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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'.
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Joined: May 2004
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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!
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Joined: Jul 2004
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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
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