I have a 20 amp outlet I found in the bsmnt of the home I just bought. Iwas wondering if I coud change this to a standard 15 mp outlet ? So I can plug in a dehumidifer. Not sure what this plug was used for but a standard plug will not fit into outlet

First kill the power to the outlet.

First kill the power to the outlet.

OK I know that was just wondering if it safe to replace since its on a larger breaker.

First kill the power to the outlet.

Take cover off. How many wires do you see and what color are they? You got to make sure power is off. Are familiar with electric at all?

Take cover off. How many wires do you see and what color are they? You got to make sure power is off. Are familiar with electric at all?

Yes I am I've changed outlets before just not familiar with the outlet that's 20 amp.

yes i am ive changed outlets before just not familiar with the outlet thats 20 amp.

Black white brown

black white brown
What size breaker is it on. It should be OK

What size breaker is it on. It should be ok
Swap it our don't turn it on yet

[QUOTE=deville p;3175355]Swap it our don't turn it on yet[/QUOT
A double breaker looks like 20 amp standard breaker

[QUOTE=deville p;3175355]Swap it our don't turn it on yet[/QUOT
a double breaker looks like 20 amp standard breakerthe wires on the breaker are they on one breaker are both breakers?you only need one breaker.

A 20A receptacle is dual rated 15A. You can plug in any standard plug.

Now, you say double breaker? Is this a 240v receptacle or 120v?

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Sounds like it is 240 volts, you need to reidentify each end of one wire with white tape, place on neutral bar and hot on a single pole breaker.
Verify Voltages.

It is a 240 volts

20 amp 240volts outlet I want to change it to a standard outlet

20 amp 240volts outlet i wanna change it to a standard outlet
Did you figure it out. We can start over and explain again if we need. We now know what you have and what you want to do.

Did you figure it out. We can start over and explain again if we need. We now know what you have and what you want to do.

I didn't change it .so ill need to rewire the breaker first and only use the one side? Correct

i didnt change it .so ill need to rewire the breaker first and only use the one side? correct
The correct way would be to replace the breakers and put 2 single breakers but only use one

Sounds like you have a 240 volt outlet if you have 2 breakers. You cannot install a standard 15 amp 120 volt outlet without rewiring at the panel.

Welcome plowe11,

The outlet and breaker u described sound like a 20 amp 220/240 volt breaker.

Remove breaker from panel box and replace with a 15 amp or 20 amp breaker.

Attach the black wire to breaker and white wire to neutral bar.
Cap brown wire.

At outlet attach black wire to brass screw and white wire to silver screw. Cap brown wire.

U should be good to go.

Chuck