Can you plug a 20 amp outlety on a 30 amp? [Archive]

blad50

Oct 29, 2011, 04:59 PM

We bought a hot tub that plugs into a 30 amp outlet. The label says to plug it into a 20 amp outlet. Can you plug a 20 amp into a 30 amp and be safe.

stanfortyman

Oct 29, 2011, 05:34 PM

We bought a hot tub that plugs into a 30 amp outlet. The label says to plug it into a 20 amp outlet.HUH?? If the plug is 30A then why would it say to plug it into 20A?

Can you plug a 20 amp into a 30 amp and be safe.100% no.

blad50

Oct 29, 2011, 06:17 PM

Sorry, we have a hot tub with a plug that says plug into a 20 amp outlet source. We only have a 15 amp and a 30amp and are wondering if we can safely plug the hot tub plug into the 30 amp. It is a 110 volt plug in type needing 20 amp.

donf

Oct 29, 2011, 07:20 PM

Okay, now your question makes sense.

In order to use a 20 amp receptacle on a 20 amp branch circuit, you need several things.

1) A dedicated circuit
2) A 20 amp breaker.
3) A 12/2 AWG cable from the breaker to the receptacle outlet.
4) A 20 amp receptacle.

No, cannot use a 30 amp circuit to feed a 20 amp receptacle.

stanfortyman

Oct 29, 2011, 07:29 PM

Please keep relevant info in the same thread. Do not make a reply by starting a new one.

ballengerb1

Oct 29, 2011, 08:03 PM

20 amp receptacles and plugs are not compatible with a 30 amp plug or recetacle. Check out these charts for the different shapes. Plug and Receptacle Configurations (http://www.frentzandsons.com/Hardware%20References/plugandreceptacleconfiguratio.htm)

There are some things you can do like plug a 15 amp plug into a 20 amp receptacle. However you can't plug a 20 amp plug into a 15 amp receptacle. Definitely you can not do what you are asking, the plug will not mate with the recptacle, sorry.

stanfortyman

Oct 30, 2011, 04:06 PM

Sorry, we have a hot tub with a plug that says plug into a 20 amp outlet source. We only have a 15 amp and a 30amp and are wondering if we can safely plug the hot tub plug into the 30 amp. It is a 110 volt plug in type needing 20 amp.As ballengerb said, no, you cannot do this.
You need a 20A circuit for this tub. Not a 15, not a 30.

ballengerb1

Oct 30, 2011, 05:19 PM

BTW, someone gave Stan a bad mark for a good answer. That's not fair so I balanced it out with 5 green points, negates the one red point.

stanfortyman

Oct 30, 2011, 06:27 PM

That rating systems is rubbish if you ask me, but thank you.