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    kdog970's Avatar
    kdog970 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 14, 2009, 11:28 AM
    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
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Mar 14, 2009, 11:43 AM
    That is fine, and no it does not matter where the 20A device is.
    Tev's Avatar
    Tev Posts: 232, Reputation: 20
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    #3

    Mar 14, 2009, 11:44 AM

    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.
    kdog970's Avatar
    kdog970 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Mar 14, 2009, 11:57 AM

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

    -k
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #5

    Mar 14, 2009, 02:36 PM
    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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