We are renovating a wing in a healthcare facility. The electrical contractor has installed new receptacles on our emergency generator system. Question is, he has installed 15 amp hospital grade receptacles on 20 amp breakers. Would this not pose a problem as the receptacle would fail before the breaker trips? Any insight is helpful.
receptacles vs. breaker size
- Thread starter shaknbake
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Hospital Master Electrician
Re: receptacles vs. breaker size
See 210.21(B)(3). I don't think 517 has modified this...?
See 210.21(B)(3). I don't think 517 has modified this...?
Re: receptacles vs. breaker size
I agree that if Art. 517 has not modified Art. 210 on this, then it is legal & a common practice. That is assuming that these are either duplex recpts. or multiple single recpts. on the same branch ckt.
Just for your info, I bet that if you were to bust open a 15A duplex recpt. & same make of a 20A duplex recpt., you would find they both have the same current carrying "guts" inside. Probably for ease of manufacturing.
I agree that if Art. 517 has not modified Art. 210 on this, then it is legal & a common practice. That is assuming that these are either duplex recpts. or multiple single recpts. on the same branch ckt.
Just for your info, I bet that if you were to bust open a 15A duplex recpt. & same make of a 20A duplex recpt., you would find they both have the same current carrying "guts" inside. Probably for ease of manufacturing.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: receptacles vs. breaker size
Just for your info, I bet that if you were to bust open a 15A duplex recpt. & same make of a 20A duplex recpt., you would find they both have the same current carrying "guts" inside. Probably for ease of manufacturing.
Actually, you are just about right. All 15 ampere receptacles are tested the same as 20 ampere receptacles for feed through capabilities. This includes the break off link for split receptacles. The rest is up to the manufacturer if they want to cut back on material. Of course they still have to meet the pull out tension tests and the other listing requirements.
Just for your info, I bet that if you were to bust open a 15A duplex recpt. & same make of a 20A duplex recpt., you would find they both have the same current carrying "guts" inside. Probably for ease of manufacturing.
Actually, you are just about right. All 15 ampere receptacles are tested the same as 20 ampere receptacles for feed through capabilities. This includes the break off link for split receptacles. The rest is up to the manufacturer if they want to cut back on material. Of course they still have to meet the pull out tension tests and the other listing requirements.
bensonelectric
Senior Member
Re: receptacles vs. breaker size
because they can. Last time I was browsing through a cataloge a single IG 20A Hospital Grade recept was about 20 bucks.
because they can.
Last time I was browsing through a cataloge a single IG 20A Hospital Grade recept was about 20 bucks.Re: receptacles vs. breaker size
Matt, believe it or not, HG receptacles have to meet a much different and higher standard than even an industrial spec grade receptacle, they can not be fairly brought into the conversation.
Roger
Matt, believe it or not, HG receptacles have to meet a much different and higher standard than even an industrial spec grade receptacle, they can not be fairly brought into the conversation.
Roger
Re: receptacles vs. breaker size
Here is a little info on receptacle grades
http://www.iaei.org/magazine/05_a/kurten.htm
Here is a little info on receptacle grades
http://www.iaei.org/magazine/05_a/kurten.htm
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