Are 15A Circuit Breakers ok for new installation?

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cppoly

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If older panelboard has all 15A breakers for receptacles, can this be re-used for tenant fitout or is there a requirement for 20A circuit breakers?
 
cppoly said:
If older panelboard has all 15A breakers for receptacles, can this be re-used for tenant fitout or is there a requirement for 20A circuit breakers?
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There is no official requirement for 20A circuits over 15A circuits, for general lighting and receptacles. That is a design decision, and depends on what inventory of loads you install on the circuits. 20A circuits may be more economical, as it allows you to do fewer circuits for the same total KVA.
 
Carultch said:
There is no official requirement for 20A circuits over 15A circuits, for general lighting and receptacles. That is a design decision, and depends on what inventory of loads you install on the circuits. 20A circuits may be more economical, as it allows you to do fewer circuits for the same total KVA.
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I thought commercial locations had to be 20 amp minimum?
 
david luchini said:
NYC doesn't prohibit 15A circuits for general purpose branch circuits, but they do prohibit #14 AWG. You would have to use #12 on the 15A circuits.
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I agree and if you go back about 20 years they prohibited 20 amp general purpose circuits for lighting and power which is why you'll find many older panels loaded with 15 amp CB's with #12 conductors..
 
For old work I use 14 AWG for lighting, makes box fill easier to comply with on 3 ways. Old work on receptacles, 12 AWG, but again need to watch box fill.
 
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