new work residential

[Casey the Electrician]

Hello all.

Just a general inquiry here. So, when it comes time to put devices in a new work residential home, I always put 20 amp receptacles on what I consider high demand areas. Obviously the wiring is 12 AWG in these areas already.....bathrooms because of space heaters, hair dryers, and the like, kitchen counter because of mixers, croc pots, etc. The 20 amp devices definitely cost more and they are less available in TR often. I wonder, am I overthinking it? Is there, THAT much of a difference in the components between a 20 amp receptacle and a 15? Should I let go and just use the 15s?

Let the debate begin

Thanks fellers!

 

[augie47]

I think the money would be better spent to purchase a higher quality receptacle. You will find more difference between a $2 and $5 receptacle than you will a 15 and 20 amp

 

[LarryFine]

Is there, THAT much of a difference in the components between a 20 amp receptacle and a 15?

Actually, for a given grade of receptacle, the internal parts are the same; only the slot shape is different.

In other words, 15a receptacles are electrically the same, and rated to carry the same as 20a receptacles.

 

[Fred B]

Unless you have a specific absolute need for the 20A configuration most equipment used in residential settings will only be with a 5-15p plug. Also the 5-15r receptacle are actually both on the inside. As @augie47 stated money better spent on a quality 5-15r than jumping to even a cheap 5-20r.

 

[nizak]

Actually, for a given grade of receptacle, the internal parts are the same; only the slot shape is different.

In other words, 15a receptacles are electrically the same, and rated to carry the same as 20a receptacles.

I believe the “feed through” ampacity is 20A on a 15A receptacle.

With that being said I have on occasion installed higher quality receptacles on known high wattage somewhat continual useage openings.

90% of most residential applications never see a need for anything more than a “standard” grade device.

 

[Fred B]

Only time I go to a full 20A is when using a dedicated 20A circuit and I go to a 5-20r single outlet, not duplex.

 

[Casey the Electrician]

I appreciate the info and the discussion fellas. I think I'm letting go. 15's it is

 

[Johnhall30]

If a specific appliance is going to draw more then 15 amps, it will come in the 5-20P configuration and it will need a 20 amp receptacle.

No need to install 20 Amps

 

[garbo]

Have to agree with the post stating from Fred B stating the insides of 15 & 20 amp receptacles are identical. I have been in my home for 48 years and have added at least twice the # of receptacles when the house was built. Even the dedicated receptacles that I ran in #12 NM cable under every bedroom window is on a 15 amp duplex receptacle in case my central AC broke and had to throw in window units for a few days. Only have one 20 amp duplex receptacle in my house. Had contractors have a table saw and title cutting wet saw while working in my house and not one tool had a 20 amp plug. I owned 4 large ( 11/2" ) hammer drills over the years and all had 15 amp male plugs. For kitchen, laundry area , bathrooms & outdoor receptacles I like to use spec grade.

 

[tom baker]

I have had several of the lesser quality 15 a receptacles fail, they were for kitchen toaster and water kettle. I prefer Leviton, what is a catalog number for the better quality types?

 

[James L]

I prefer Leviton, what is a catalog number for the better quality types?

TCBR1-00W

Leviton 15 Amp 125 V Commercial Grade Tamper Resistant Duplex Outlet/Receptacle, White (1-Pack) TCBR1-00W R52-TCBR1-00W - The Home Depot

Leviton is committed to your safety and to making sure our tamper-resistant commercial spec grade receptacles meet or exceed all existing codes and standards. NEC requirements for commercial facilities

www.homedepot.com

 

[darekelec]

15A but a reputable manufacturer. Leviton commercial grade. Slim 4 pack gfcis in kitchens and baths.
Eaton has annoying TRs

 

[MattG0311]

What if I’m trying to bend 4in PVC in my kitchen and need to plug in my giant greenlee pipe heater???

 

[tom baker]

I don’t like Eaton devices - Lowe’s carries this brand, I prefer Leviton.

 

[letgomywago]

I don’t like Eaton devices - Lowe’s carries this brand, I prefer Leviton.

I've had many bad eaton WR GFIs out of the blister pack. PnS, Leviton, even GE no issues really

 

[Little Bill]

What if I’m trying to bend 4in PVC in my kitchen and need to plug in my giant greenlee pipe heater???

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!"

 

[James L]

What if I’m trying to bend 4in PVC in my kitchen and need to plug in my giant greenlee pipe heater???

A fire in a 55 gallon drum should do it.

 

[curt swartz]

I've had many bad eaton WR GFIs out of the blister pack. PnS, Leviton, even GE no issues really

GE??

Someone is marketing wiring devices under the GE name again?

When GE was really GE they did offer wiring devices but got out of that business 20+ years ago and sold the business to P&S. Probably close to the same time Slater went to P&S.

 

[letgomywago]

GE??

Someone is marketing wiring devices under the GE name again?

When GE was really GE they did offer wiring devices but got out of that business 20+ years ago and sold the business to P&S. Probably close to the same time Slater went to P&S.

GE 15 Amp Tamper Resistant Weather Resistant GFCI Duplex Outlet Receptacle, White 40687 - The Home Depot

Get the most from your outlet with a GE-branded In-Wall GFCI Receptacle. Two GFCI-protected outlets allow for use in bathrooms and kitchens. To further increase safety, the tamper-resistant outlet blocks

www.homedepot.com

My supply house would sell a hubble tamac with one of these in a kit for about 35 bucks.

 

[VirutalElectrician]

I prefer the Legrand:

Legrand Pass and Seymour 20 Amp 125-Volt Tamper Resistant Commercial Grade Backwire Duplex Outlet, White (10-Pack) TR5362WCP6 - The Home Depot

These sturdy receptacles offer excellent value. They deliver rugged, lasting construction that hold up in a high-use commercial environment, while still maintaining the look of a traditional outlet. They

www.homedepot.com

This guy did some nice outlet deconstruction:

What Outlet Should I Get? - Everyday Home Repairs

In my “how to wire an outlet” video, the feedback received made it apparent that many weekend warriors, like myself, and licensed electricians; question the build quality of the cheap residential-grade outlet like the Leviton Standard Outlets 5320-wmp. The consensus amongst the commenters was to...

everydayhomerepairs.com

If you search his YT channel, he does some some tear downs.