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Posted By: RobbieD 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 12:04 AM
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!
Posted By: PCBelarge Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 12:40 AM
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).]
Posted By: Electric Ian Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 12:45 AM
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.
Posted By: Electric Eagle Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 01:09 AM
If the 15amp receptacle is a duplex, it is considered 2 receptacles and is allowed on a 20 amp circuit.
Posted By: russ m Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 02:29 AM
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).]
Posted By: frank Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 05:38 AM
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).]
Posted By: Active 1 Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 02:35 PM
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
Posted By: RobbieD Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 02:40 PM
Thanks guys! I will replace the breaker and receptacle both will be 20A.
Posted By: CJS Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 03:07 PM
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.
Posted By: Ron Re: 15A receptacle - 09/19/04 04:24 PM
CJS, a good reference to backup your theory is 210.23(A)(1)
Posted By: SolarPowered Re: 15A receptacle - 09/22/04 04:55 AM
Quote
I'm for 20A recepticalss on all 20A circuits. I would spend the extra $1 or so because you are getting a better device.

Actually, you're probably getting exactly the same device. For example, I was just looking really closely at a Leviton BR-15. Inside, it actually has the same T contacts as the 20A device. On both sides--apparently, they use the exact same mechanics for 15/120, 20/120, 15/240, and 20/240. The only difference is the extra slot in the face.

And for some really weird reason, they have the 20A/120V T-slot going half way through the back of the face of the device. But not on the opposite side, which has exactly the same contact arrangement. As best I can figure, it's designed so that you can break out the 20A T if you need to. Although, unless you're in a jam on a nuclear submarine or at the South Pole research station, I can't imagine actually doing that.

Since I have yet to see anything with a 20A plug on it, I can't see much point in installling 20A receptacles unless it's a single-point, dedicated 20A circuit. (I'm sure things with 20A plugs exist, but I've never seen one.)

[This message has been edited by SolarPowered (edited 09-22-2004).]
Posted By: kimnjim Re: 15A receptacle - 09/23/04 12:11 AM
Electric Eagle is right on this. If you are using a duplex 15A receptacle, it is considered two receptacles and allowed.
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