Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    dean1234's Avatar
    dean1234 Posts: 9, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 23, 2010, 05:31 PM
    Gfci
    What is the difference between a 15 amp and a 20 amp GFCI ? Is it only describing the face plate or is it the amount of current it will handle ?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Sep 23, 2010, 05:45 PM
    The amount of current it will handle, 5 more amps. In many cases, a 15 amp GFCI will be put on a #12 wire. Be very careful not to put a 20 amp GF on unless it is a #12 wire. The face plate only identifies it with the slotted neutral so you can tell the difference from a 15.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Sep 23, 2010, 05:55 PM

    Also a 20 amp receptacle the slots will not look like 2 parallel slots, one will look like a T. Can you tell us what you are doing or why you ask?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Sep 24, 2010, 03:56 AM

    Actually the only difference is the face plate. It has nothing do do with what it can handle.
    A 15A GFI is rated for 20A feed through.

    It has to do with what is allowed to be plugged in.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Can I put outside gfci, and laundry gfci outlets together on ciruit? [ 5 Answers ]

Hi, I am in the process of redoing my basement, adding a bathroom and laundry room. I would like to have one gfci protected outlet in the bathroom, one in the laundry room, and also add one outside (through the bathroom wall), I also would like a light in the shower stall which will need to be...

Changing 15 amp non-GFCI split to 20 Amp GFCI single (kitchen counters) [ 11 Answers ]

I have an older home and I am redoing the kitchen. The kitchen outlets are currently split ones as per the code of the day. They are presumably using 14 gauge wire. (or maybe it may be 12 since it is the 3 wire loomex) It is not practical to re-run the wire. One of them is quite close to a kitchen...

30amp GFCI to 50amp GFCI [ 1 Answers ]

I have a square D panel box with 200 amp service coming into the house. I have a square D 30 amp double pole gfci breaker that was put in last year for a hot tub. I am now getting a new hot tub, and it requires a 50amp gfci breaker. The 30amp currently in place says type/tipo HOM. It is...

When adding a GFCI disconnect for hottub, should I replace GFCI in service panel? [ 4 Answers ]

I have a hottub now but without a disconnect. Its simply a 6/3-50 amp wire that runs from the hottub to a 50amp GFCI inside the house main service panel. I want to install a disconnect 5-10 feet from the hottub. I bought a disconnect box that already has a GFCI inside of it. Should I have bought...

GFCI help... [ 1 Answers ]

I know a little about electrical (enough to be dangerous anyway lol). The problem I am having is the GFCI keeps tripping. It is located in the garage and it controls (itself included the GFCI outlet) 6 receptacles. I have nothing plugged into it and I have replaced the GCFI outlet itself. But it...

View more questions Search