Residential outlets have to be 20 amps?

[Stevenfyeager]

Residential receptacles can be 15 or 20 amp, correct? In bedrooms or dining room ? I just had an elec inspector almost have me change 5 dining room outlets wiring from 15 amp to 20 amp. They are using 2017 code.

 

[ptonsparky]

If that is a question, the answer is, No and What the Heck?

 

[powerpete69]

You are allowed to ask him the code reference that shows 20 amps required.
We would like to see this code reference if it is real.

 

[kwired]

Dining room receptacles need to be on a 20 amp SABC, but can be 15 amp receptacles as long as it is a multioutlet circuit.

So single receptacle on 20 amp circuit must have a 20 amp receptacle. A duplex receptacle is two receptacles when applying this rule.

 

[petersonra]

Residential receptacles can be 15 or 20 amp, correct? In bedrooms or dining room ? I just had an elec inspector almost have me change 5 dining room outlets wiring from 15 amp to 20 amp. They are using 2017 code.

the circuit has to be 20 A but the receptacles can be 15 A as long as there are at least two of them.

 

[al hildenbrand]

I just had an elec inspector almost have me change 5 dining room outlets wiring from 15 amp to 20 amp. They are using 2017 code.

2017 NEC 210.52(B) tells us that the "wiring" for receptacle outlets in a residential dining room is required to be 20 Amp.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

Residential receptacles can be 15 or 20 amp, correct? In bedrooms or dining room ? I just had an elec inspector almost have me change 5 dining room outlets wiring from 15 amp to 20 amp. They are using 2017 code.

Steven,
Did you install a 15 or 20 amp circuit for the dining room receptacles?

 

[Stevenfyeager]

Steven,
Did you install a 15 or 20 amp circuit for the dining room receptacles?

I installed 14 gauge for these few receptacles. I didn’t realize all outlets have to be 20 amp. That is code ? I feel really stupid.

 

[oldsparky52]

I installed 14 gauge for these few receptacles. I didn’t realize all outlets have to be 20 amp. That is code ? I feel really stupid.

You could buy a nice dinner with the money you got if you got a dollar every time I felt "stupid" about a code issue. Look on the bright side, you learned something.

 

[Little Bill]

The only thing allowed to be 15A circuits in the rooms required to be on a SABC are general lighting and dedicated circuit for refrigerator.

 

[ptonsparky]

I installed 14 gauge for these few receptacles. I didn’t realize all outlets have to be 20 amp. That is code ? I feel really stupid.

The wiring needs to be 20 amp. The devices may be 15.

Now, go back to my first post and slap me for not reading yours more closely.

 

[Stevenfyeager]

Another question, what about bedroom outlets? Can they be 15 amp circuits? I’m reading 210.52

 

[Little Bill]

Yes on bedroom circuits

 

[powerpete69]

Personally, I just like to run 20 amp breakers, 12 gauge wire and Nema 5-20R outlets. The outlets just seem more manly (haha)
Seems like that 14 gauge wire is more trouble than its worth.
I also sleep better at night knowing that I could plug in a 20 amp air compressor if I wanted to. I never will, but still....I could

 

[LarryFine]

Another question, what about bedroom outlets? Can they be 15 amp circuits? I’m reading 210.52

Yes, they can.

The inspector should have told you that you need to change the wire, not the receptacles.

 

[LarryFine]

Personally, I just like to run 20 amp breakers, 12 gauge wire and Nema 5-20R outlets. The outlets just seem more manly (haha)
Seems like that 14 gauge wire is more trouble than its worth.
I also sleep better at night knowing that I could plug in a 20 amp air compressor if I wanted to. I never will, but still....I could

I prefer 20a circuits for receptacle circuits in almost every room, and separate 15a circuits for lighting in those same rooms.

As for manly receptacles, the 15a and 20a versions of a given grade use the same internal parts and just change slot shape.

In other words, they make macho 15a receptacles.

 

[GerryB]

The trick is to not call it a "dining room". It could be the family room, gathering room, rec room, the other room, anything but the family room. I did hear the reason for that code was if it is a "dining room" then carts with coffee pots or such could be wheeled in for a party, etc.

 

[hbiss]

I just had an elec inspector almost have me change 5 dining room outlets wiring from 15 amp to 20 amp.

If it was an "almost" and he let it slide you are good to go. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. 20A dining room receptacles originated in the post war roaring 50's when everybody had an electric everything. Not likely to see that kind of thing anymore in a dining room.

In the future, just be aware that dining room receptacles need to be on a 20A SABC.

-Hal

 

[Stevenfyeager]

If it was an "almost" and he let it slide you are good to go. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. 20A dining room receptacles originated in the post war roaring 50's when everybody had an electric everything. Not likely to see that kind of thing anymore in a dining room.

In the future, just be aware that dining room receptacles need to be on a 20A SABC.

-Hal

Thank you, he did let it go and just informed me to not do it next time. It is a 8 foot by 10 feet room that will be used for a dining table. (was a porch, now closed in with the contractor using sleeper floor joists so no way to re run new wires to them. ) I wasn't aware of the code for dining rooms. Thank you.

 

[kwired]

Another question, what about bedroom outlets? Can they be 15 amp circuits? I’m reading 210.52

Read through part (B) carefully. Starts off with "In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling unit" and requires 20 amp branch circuits for receptacle outlets in those areas. some fairly limited exceptions.