20-ampere small-appliance circuit

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oldman

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210.11(C)1, basically says that we have to run at least 2 20-ampere small-appliance circuits. My question is: Can we run a 12 AWG to the first receptacle and then 14 AWG to all others?
 
Re: 20-ampere small-appliance circuit

The entire branch circuit is 20A rated and needs #12 minimum conductors. Tap condutors would be allowed to be #14 minimum, but the circuit wiring itself is #12. Look at 210-19(b) and (d) (99NEC).

[ December 01, 2003, 09:32 PM: Message edited by: stamcon ]
 
Re: 20-ampere small-appliance circuit

re: tap conductors

just a reminder here - these small appliance branch circuits are serving receptacles and as such these receptacles cannot be 'tapped' with 14 AWG [210-19(d), excep. 1(d)].
 
Re: 20-ampere small-appliance circuit

Thanks, after reading ahead 8 pages I found another question similar, with the answer the same.
 
Re: 20-ampere small-appliance circuit

I was always confused how you can have 15amp rated recepticles on a 20amp circuit. The small appliance breakers are 20amp, the wire is 12gage which is good for 20amp but the recepticles are 15amp. Lets say you plug an appliance that draws 9 amps in the top of the duplex recepticle and one that draws 9 amps in the bottom of the same duplex recepticle and ran them both at the same time. The circuit would draw 18 amps,the breaker will hold. Wouldnt the receptile burn up?
 
Re: 20-ampere small-appliance circuit

Just a guess here but I would imagine they are designed for just such an occurrence.
 
Re: 20-ampere small-appliance circuit

Thats a good question, I don't know the answer but I would like to know also.
 
Re: 20-ampere small-appliance circuit

No, the 15 amp receptacle would not have any problem with two 9 amp loads. Each receptacle on the duplex is suitable for 15 amps.
Don
 
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