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It can be done although it is bad practice provided the load doesn't continuously require more that 15 A. You should then use a 15 A fuse to protect the switch. Actually a fuse or circuit breaker is only there to protect the wiring and device and nothing else, e.g., if you run 14AWG wire then you want to protect that with a 15A (or smaller) fuse or breaker. Similarly 12AWG wire should be protected by a 20A (or smaller) fuse or breaker. The receptacles will only accept devices rated for them, i.e., NEMA 5-15R is rated at 125V 15A. NEMA 5-20R is rated at 125V 20A... the 5-20R is commonly known as "T" rated as it will accept either NEMA 5-15P or 5-20P plugs. The 5 indicates that it is a 125V rated 2-pole, 3-wire grounding receptacle.. the 15 or 20 is it's current rating.
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∙ 8y ago
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∙ 13y agoyes, but make sure what it is switching is only rated to 15 A. Also, you can't do it the other way, unless, again, the final product that is being switched is only the 15 A
You can control a 15 amp load with a 100 amp switch, but not the other way around.
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∙ 15y agoYou can always use a higher rated switch to control a smaller load. You can not use a a lower rated switch to control a larger load.
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∙ 14y agoNo, it shouldn't be. Purchase a 20 amp rated switch.
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∙ 14y agoYes, as long as an appliance's rated current amperage is equal to or less than the rated current amperage of the switching device, it is quite all right.
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∙ 14y agono harm done switch is rated for up to 20 amps
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∙ 12y agoYes- The switch just has the ability to carry a higher current then the normal 15 amp type.
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∙ 11y agoIt depends on what the wattage of the lamps are and at what voltage the system is operating.
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Why would you need a 20 Amp Single Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?
If the wire to the switch is AWG #12 you need a 20 amp switch because it is a 20 amp circuit.
Why would i need a 20-Amp Single-Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?
You would need a 20 amp switch when the load controlled by the switch can draw as much as 20 amps. If you have a 20 Amp breaker supplying the circuit then you need to size all switches and outlets on that circuit to 20 amps.
Can you install a 20 amp exhaust timer on a 15 amp circuit?
It sounds to me like the exhaust timer is just a switch. The 20 amp rating that the timer is given is the maximum amount of current that it can handle and still be within its safety specifications. It will work very well on a 15 amp circuit.
How many elec outlets can a GFCI detect?
7 on a 15 amp circuit and 9 on a 20 amp circuit.
How many outlets can run off 1 gfi outlet?
Eight on a 15 amp circuit, tweleve on a 20 amp circuit, including the gfci receptacle itself.
Why would you need a 20 Amp Single Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?
If the wire to the switch is AWG #12 you need a 20 amp switch because it is a 20 amp circuit.
Why would i need a 20-Amp Single-Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?
You would need a 20 amp switch when the load controlled by the switch can draw as much as 20 amps. If you have a 20 Amp breaker supplying the circuit then you need to size all switches and outlets on that circuit to 20 amps.
Can you install a 20 amp exhaust timer on a 15 amp circuit?
It sounds to me like the exhaust timer is just a switch. The 20 amp rating that the timer is given is the maximum amount of current that it can handle and still be within its safety specifications. It will work very well on a 15 amp circuit.
What amp plug does the average router have?
15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit.
How many elec outlets can a GFCI detect?
7 on a 15 amp circuit and 9 on a 20 amp circuit.
Can a 20 amp breaker be replaced with a 15 amp?
Yes, provided that you don't really need 20 A on the circuit.
How many outlets can run off 1 gfi outlet?
Eight on a 15 amp circuit, tweleve on a 20 amp circuit, including the gfci receptacle itself.
Can a 15 amp extension cord be plugged into a 20 amp breaker?
A 15 Amp extension cord can be plugged into a 20 Amp circuit. It is important that what you're extending does not require more then 10-12 Amps.
Can you use a 20 amp fuse and wire rated for it in a 15 amp outlet?
You can use the wire rated for 20 amps on a 15 amp receptacle but you can not use a 20 amp fuse on any device rated at 15 amps. This is a tricky part of the code about receptacle outlets, You can use a 15 amp duplex outlet on a 20 amp circuit. (duplex outlet two devices can plug in) If it is a single outlet then the outlet must be rated 20 amp. NEC table210.21(B)(3). ============ A 15 amp duplex receptacle can be wired to a 20 amp rated circuit. This means the breaker OR fuse protecting the circuit can be rated 20 amps if the wire is also rated at 20 amps (12 AWG). --Sparkfighter
What is a 15 amp electrical outlet?
A #14 copper wire rated at 15 amps is the minimum size wire for a 15 amp receptacle.
Can you use 15 amp appliance on 20 amp socket?
Yes, the amp rating is a measurement of the highest amp load it should carry. So a 15 amp appliance will work on a 20 amp socket but you wouldn't want to use a 20 amp appliance on a 15 amp socket.
Does a microwave need a 15 or 20 amp circuit?
By code you're supposed to have a dedicated 20 amp circuit. But if you have an existing 15 amp circuit it might be fine for now if your microwave is 1400 watts or less and there's nothing else drawing power from that circuit. But if your running it new definitely run a 20 amp circuit dedicated on 12 gauge wire. That will allow you to use any microwave you want now and in the future.
