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Posted by Doug Miller on September 5, 2006, 2:38 pm
>
>Doug Miller wrote:
>> >
>> >david wrote:
>> >> In my garage i noticed a 15 Amp receptacle connected to a run that had
>> >> a 20 AMP breaker on the main electrical panel. Is this normal?
>> >>
>> >> The wire used was 12-2. The receptacle is the last electrical device
>> >> on the run. The 20AMP circuit also feed the garage door.
>> >>
>> >> Thanks
>> >
>> >Yes, it is 'normal' but not correct.
>>
>> Sorry, but you're wrong. Use of 15A receptacles on a 20A circuit is
>> explicitly permitted under the National Electrical Code.
>> [2005 NEC, Article 210.21(B)(3) and accompanying table]
>>
>Sorry, I thought the OP was in Northbrook, Il or one of the many other
>locales that require a 20A receptacle on a 20A circuit.
While 20A outlets may be required by various local codes, this is not a
general requirement.
>
>Isn't a garage a likely place to have an appliance that draws more than
>15amps but has a standard plug?
Any appliance that draws more than 15A as a continuous load will not have a
"standard" (i.e. 15A) plug -- it will have a 20A plug.
>Or is it safe to assume that the 15A
>outlet can handle more than 15 amps?
For a short time, sure. Continuous load, no way.
>My table saw has a standard 3
>prong plug but draws more than 15 amps on start up, and possibly under
>heavy load. Other garage appliances like a bench grinder can also draw
>more than 15 amps for a longer period of time.
Must be a heck of a bench grinder... And I'll bet that if you look at the
owner's manual for your table saw, it recommends a 20A circuit.
>
>What is the reasoning for requiring a 20A receptacle on a 20A circuit
>if it is the only receptacle but allowing multiple 15A outlets on a
>single 20A circuit?
>
I think the idea there is that the single receptacle implies a dedicated
circuit, and if the circuit supplying a dedicated load is 20A then the
receptacle should be also.
--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)
It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.
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