[pcutting]

I recently bought an old home that has all 20A circuits with 12/2 wire for all lighting and outlet circuits.

I wanted to install all new outlets and switches and assumed the circuits would be 15A 14/2 wired circuits so I bought contractor packs of outlets and switches that are 15A. When I went to install them I realized the circuits were 12/2 wired 20A circuits.

The 20A outlets and switches are much more expensive than the 15A. Can I use the 15A outlets and switches on the 20A 12/2 circuits or do I really need to upgrade? If I can use the 15A, do I need to change the fuses to 15A or can I leave the 20A fuses in place?

[stanfortyman]

Without going into all the code reasons it is allowed, YES, you can use 15A receptacles and switches.

[pcutting]

Without going into all the code reasons why it is allowed, YES, you can use 15A receptacles and switches.

Thank you! What about the fuses, can I leave the 20A fuses in place?

Also, if the 12 gauge wire will fit (have to force through plastic hole) in the quick-connect push-in on the back of the outlet, can I use those or should I use the screw terminals on the side? If I use the screw terminals on the side, do I have to bend the wire around the screw or just insert it straight and tighten screw?

Thanks!

[stanfortyman]

Yes, you can leave the 20A fuses or breakers.

NO, #12 will NOT fit into the quickwire holes in the back of a receptacle. You DO NOT want to use them anyway. They are a KNOWN source of premature failures and problems.

If you use a standard screw terminal yes, you need to loop the wire into a "J" and hook it on so that the screw pulls the wire in. Meaning the long side of the "J" should be on the left side of the screw.

[Stratmando]

Like Stanforty was saying, you want to form a hook or"J". You don't want to bend around screw.

[pcutting]

Thank you stanfortyman! You just saved me $100 by not having to buy 20A hardware. I can't believe the price difference between 15A & 20A hardware