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    Doreine's Avatar
    Doreine Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 17, 2009, 09:43 AM
    Using 20 amp plug on 15 amp outlet
    I am buying a dry sauna that has a 20-amp plug. The outlet in my home says 15A. The breaker for this outlet says 20. Can I use this dry sauna on this outlet. Do I need to change the outlet. Is breaker adequate if I do this? Dry sauna brochure says: 120 volt / 1531 watt/ 12.75 amp. If I change anything, is it possible I need a permit from the city? Thanks.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 17, 2009, 11:13 AM

    I suggest that you place the Sauna on an dedicated 20 amp circuit.

    This means that the breaker needs to be a 20 amp breaker. The cable from the breaker to the outlet receptacle must be 12/2 AWG for copper.

    The receptacle should be a 20 amp receptacle.

    As to the permit, a simple phone call to the LAHJ (electrical inspectors) can get you that answer.

    One major concern that I have is that someone may have installed a 20 amp breaker where a 15 amp breaker had been installed. If that happened and the cable was not upgraded to 12/2 AWG then you may well have a fire hazard inside your wall.

    A 14/2 AWG cable is not allowed to be used on a 20 amp circuit.
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