Fact or fiction?

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Interesting. I can't think of any reason that the 20a receptacle would not have to be used. Hmmmm.
 
Okay, I scanned a bit of the '02 NEC, and here's what I came up with:

From Definitions:
Receptacle. A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.
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Okay, that looks like splitting the hot side doesn't alter the duplex from being a duplex.
210.7 Branch Circuit Receptacle Requirements.
(C) Multiple Branch Circuits. Where more than one branch circuit supplies more than one receptacle on the same yoke, a means to simultaneously disconnect the ungrounded conductors supplying those receptacles shall be provided at the panelboard where the branch circuits originated.
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Well, we have no disagreement with this one, either way.
210.21 Outlet Devices. Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating that is not less than the load to be served and shall comply with 210.21(A) and (B).
(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.
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"A single receptacle" does not describe a split duplex, according to my assertion about the definition.

Therefore, the 20-amp receptacle is not needed. Or is it? :roll:
 
Larry,
I would agree that based on the code you cited that a split duplex is not two singles. But like you said, maybe not - what exactly is a yoke? If one were to split both the hot and neutral tabs, wouldn't you then have "a single contact device with the no other contact device on the same yoke"? NEC does not define yolk, but Merriam-Webster defines it as "a clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them in position." Jury's still out.
 
Here's some more mud for the water! I was told by another engineer that for a split receptacle to host two branch circuits that measure 240V between them, the device has to be 240V rated even though its individual outlets are only 120V. Thoughts?
 
Oh, and I called several manufacturers of devices about this. Only one major device manufacturer was able to send me documentation stating that their 120V 15A receptacles were rated for 240V when split!
 
electrofelon,
Be careful how you use the word approved. Everything that we install must be APPROVED by the AHJ. The AHJ usually bases his approval on the LISTING of the equipment. As wriiten, your statement is correct, neither a split wired receptacle or a standard receptacle or anything else may be installed unless it is approved. If you are trying to state that a split-wired receptacle may not be installed unles it is LISTED for that purpose then we may have a problem. We would need to refer to the UL book to determine how receptacles are listed and I do not have one handy at this time.
 
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