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Posted by RBM on March 16, 2007, 11:11 pm
20 amp outlets and switches don't make them better, just higher capacity. If
you want better than residential grade devices, get something like spec
grade. It is a code violation to install 20 amp receptacles on a 15 amp
circuit. It is however legal to install 15 amp receptacles on 20 amp
circuits
>I had an electrican inspect an old house I bought and he said the wirings
>and everything are fine and great. But many of the outlets and switches
>are getting flaky and sometimes the switches don't work. We decided to
>replace all outlets and switches. He told me to be on the safe side I
>should get 20 amps switches and outlets.
>
> I went to Home Depot and found the normal 15 amp switches are $0.89 a
> piece, the 20 amp switches are $5.89 a piece. Big difference. I counted
> that I need about 70 outlets and 45 switches so this adds up. Plus 3 way
> 20 amp switches are even more expensive!
>
> I called him and he said if I have outlets I might plug in a saw or vaccum
> cleaner than I should get 20 amps if it's a desk lamp 15 amp is enough.
> So what is the basis for determining this if I have these switches:
>
> For activating garage door openers.
> For plugging in a central vac system.
> For high hat lights (10 of them with one switch)
> For high hat lights (a single one)
> For outdoor dusk light
> For a series of 5 florescent tube lights
> For ceiling fan that has a light attachment
> For a hallway a set of two high hat light
>
> Can I use some 15 amps and some 20 amps, would really like to avoid the
> expensive one if not really necessary.
>
> Thanks,
>
> MC
>
>
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