20 amp single receptacle

[sparky1118]

Good morning everyone. I’m a bit groggy and attempting to study for my masters. I’m using a exam prep book and I am confused on a question. So the question is “what is the ampere rating for a single receptacle on an individual branch circuit rated at 20 amps” now I thought that if you’re using a single receptacle on a dedicated 20 amp circuit it has to be a 20 amp outlet?


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[LarryFine]

Good morning everyo. . . I thought that if you’re using a single receptacle on a dedicated 20 amp circuit it has to be a 20 amp outlet?

:thumbsup:

 

[sparky1118]

Thank you. I’ve found so far four questions that have the wrong answers in this book...


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[jxofaltrds]

You can put a single 15 on a 20 AMP circuit but not the other way around.

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[LarryFine]

You can put a single 15 on a 20 AMP circuit . . .

I believe that's incorrect; a duplex 15, yes.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is what the nec states

(B) Receptacles.
(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.

 

[jxofaltrds]

Oops. I wrote it backwards!

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[infinity]

Yes, a 20 amp single receptacle is the minimum size permitted on a 20 amp circuit, you could use a 30 amp or a 50 amp if you so choose.

 

[kwired]

You can put a single 15 on a 20 AMP circuit but not the other way around.

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I believe that's incorrect; a duplex 15, yes.

You can put a 15 amp single receptacle on a 20 amp circuit, as long as it is not a circuit with a single outlet (Individual Branch Circuit - per art 100)

Yes, a 20 amp single receptacle is the minimum size permitted on a 20 amp circuit, you could use a 30 amp or a 50 amp if you so choose.

Also agree you could use a 30 or 50 amp receptacle and would not be in violation of NEC.

 

[growler]

Thank you. I’ve found so far four questions that have the wrong answers in this book...

They know what they are doing. You will remember those four questions for the rest of your life.

Just kidding it's probably a mistake but you will remember those questions.

 

[marco_polo]

You can put a 15 amp single receptacle on a 20 amp circuit, as long as it is not a circuit with a single outlet (Individual Branch Circuit - per art 100)

Also agree you could use a 30 or 50 amp receptacle and would not be in violation of NEC.

I’m confused after reading this thread, what I’ve usually been told to do for, for example, dining rooms, is have a 20 amp circuit in #12 romex and use regular 15 amp decora outlets. Would this not be to code?

 

[kwired]

You can put a 15 amp single receptacle on a 20 amp circuit, as long as it is not a circuit with a single outlet

I’m confused after reading this thread, what I’ve usually been told to do for, for example, dining rooms, is have a 20 amp circuit in #12 romex and use regular 15 amp decora outlets. Would this not be to code?

If you have a single 15 amp duplex receptacle on a 20 amp circuit you have two outlets, therefore not a circuit with a single outlet and you are not required to use a 20 amp receptacle.

Basically the only time you must use a 20 amp receptacle is if you have a circuit serving a single outlet. Other than that it is your option to use 15 or 20 amp receptacle(s).

 

[david luchini]

If you have a single 15 amp duplex receptacle on a 20 amp circuit you have two outlets, therefore not a circuit with a single outlet and you are not required to use a 20 amp receptacle.

That's one outlet, not two outlets. Multiple receptacles, but a single outlet.

 

[charlie b]

Thank you. I’ve found so far four questions that have the wrong answers in this book...

What answer did the book give for this question?

 

[hbiss]

Yes, a 20 amp single receptacle is the minimum size permitted on a 20 amp circuit, you could use a 30 amp or a 50 amp if you so choose.

Arrgh, not that again! Unfortunately it's true so probably an easy way to remember it.

-Hal