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-   -   20 amp and 15 amp receptacle on same 20 amp circuit (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=329155)

  • Mar 14, 2009, 11:28 AM
    kdog970
    20 amp and 15 amp receptacle on same 20 amp circuit
    Is it safe and within code to install a 20 amp receptacle and a 15 amp receptacle on the same 20 amp circuit using 12/2 wiring throughout? And If it is okay, does it matter if the 20 amp receptacle is end or middle of the line?

    Thanks,
    K
  • Mar 14, 2009, 11:43 AM
    stanfortyman
    That is fine, and no it does not matter where the 20A device is.
  • Mar 14, 2009, 11:44 AM
    Tev

    It is safe, it is within code. It does not matter where the 20 amp receptacle is on the circuit.

    If this were a 15 amp circuit you could not use a 20 amp receptacle but you are allowed to use a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit in most cases. The only time you cannot is when there is only a single receptacle on an individual branch circuit, then it must not be rated below the circuit rating. This is all found in article 210 of the national electrical code.
  • Mar 14, 2009, 11:57 AM
    kdog970

    Thanks for the quick responses. The 15 amp receptacle is a duplex receptacle so it should fall within code.

    -k
  • Mar 14, 2009, 02:36 PM
    donf
    My Personal opinion:

    IF I'm wiring the circuit up, then I would use a 20 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit.

    I know that it not as yet required by code, but I would still do it. To me it makes identifying the circuit easier. With a 20 amp circuit tied to a 20 amp device, one look and I know what the circuit is made of.

    I know that code does allow the 15 amp receptacle on the 20 amp circuit but if there is no reason (other than a dedicated circuit) I would want to know what I'm dealing with in terms available amperage.

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