15A outlet on 20a circuit

That is to say that the 20A circuit is in continuance throughout the circuit , however the receptacle itself (the contacts) are rated for 15A continuosly. A outlets are totally legal on 20A circuits. Because the NEC makes an exception specifically for that (National Electrical Code): enter image description here. The exception is by careful plan.

It would be stupid for electricians to have to carry two types of receptacles on their truck.

If the circuit shorts then the breaker will kick at 20A however.

This is legal and will work fine.

But, in the real world: - most electrical components are designed to handle roughly double their rating. A duplex receptacle is considered as multiple receptacles and is therefore permissible to use as the single, or one of several, multiple type receptacles on the circuit. Part of the UL listing for the amp receptacles is that they are capable of feeding through the amp circuit , the primary difference between . As the branch wiring and breaker is rated for 20A , those will be OK. The two devices are intentionally designed not to fit together, and no amount of twisting, pushing or bending will make them.

Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens(pantry dining room etc) require amp receptacle circuits with no other outlets. The thinking behind it is the use of the receptacle. So it is rating and approving the demand of the . Each socket can supply up to amps. However, the total draw of everything on the circuit can also not exceed amps.

Therefore, if you only have one device on the circuit , it can draw up to 20A from any one outlet. How to wire and install an electrical outlet - What size electrical wire should you use when hooking up an electrical receptacle (wall plug or electrical outlet )? Here we explain the choice of No. A and 20A electrical circuits where receptacles are being wired. You will only be allowed to plug in 15a devices.

It is important to know the electrical wire and breaker switches requirements for different kinds of outlet needs. AFCI protection is required only for 15A or 20A , 120V branch circuits in dwelling units supplying: Outlets in “living spaces,” including . Each one is designed to disconnect power when the current passing through the circuit exceeds its rating. Count the light as one of those as well. But exercise common sense as this all depends on what you plan to plug into them.

When you install an outlet , it should match the rating for the wiring. The additional notch indicates the outlet (and the wiring behind it) . In my opinion, it should be Code that lighting circuits and receptacle circuits be separate. The first place to look is in the instructions for your microwave.

If it says it requires a certain kind of circuit , that is what you are obligated to install.