220.21 (2011)

[willxfmr]

My understanding of 210.21 is that you are allowed to use a 15A duplex receptacle as the only device on 20A circuit. This would be the only device connected to the breaker. The logic behind this is that a duplex receptacle has 2 points of contact (ref. receptacle definitions art. 100) and therefore meets the requirements of Table 210.21(B)(3). Any inspectors care to weigh in on if my interpretation is correct? Just to be clear, I don't agree with the practice of doing this and I am only asking if it is allowed by code.


Thanks,
Will.

 

[ActionDave]

It's allowed. Even if you put the recpt. in a place where only one thing can be plugged in, say behind a refrigerator, it's allowed.

 

[curt swartz]

My understanding of 210.21 is that you are allowed to use a 15A duplex receptacle as the only device on 20A circuit. This would be the only device connected to the breaker. The logic behind this is that a duplex receptacle has 2 points of contact (ref. receptacle definitions art. 100) and therefore meets the requirements of Table 210.21(B)(3). Any inspectors care to weigh in on if my interpretation is correct? Just to be clear, I don't agree with the practice of doing this and I am only asking if it is allowed by code.


Thanks,
Will.

Why do you feel this is not a good practice? What is the diference between having 2 15amp receptacles on the circuit or 10 receptacles?

 

[willxfmr]

Why do you feel this is not a good practice? What is the diference between having 2 15amp receptacles on the circuit or 10 receptacles?

My reason for not liking the practice is that in say a dining room you would likely spread the load over several devices, where as if there is only one device on the circuit, then all the load goes on that one device. Another good example would be a dedicated circuit for a window AC unit.

Will.

 

[ActionDave]

A window A/C is not going to draw more amps just because it is on a individual circuit.

 

[iwire]

My reason for not liking the practice is that in say a dining room you would likely spread the load over several devices, where as if there is only one device on the circuit, then all the load goes on that one device. Another good example would be a dedicated circuit for a window AC unit.

Will.

15 amp duplex devices are designed and listed for use on 20 amp circuits. Don't worry about it.