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No. You aren't allowed to install a device rated greater than the circuit is rated.
The 20 amp receptacle would allow you to plug in 20 amp loads (which is why it is different than a 15 amp receptacle), and plugging a 20 amp load into a 15 amp circuit would cause an overload and the 15 amp circuit breaker would trip.
ADDITION
This may still be open for discussion. According an electrician from RKO Electric, you can in fact install a 20 Amp GFCI receptacle on a 15 Amp breaker. Apparently, the breaker will trip well before the receptacle is able to pull 20 Amps of current into the line. Please see the following link from another website: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Electrical-Wiring-Home-1734/20-amp-GFCI-outlets.htm
2003 NEC Code Book says:
210-21(b)(1), p.70-42: A single receptacle on an individual branch circuit shall have an ampere rating of not less than that of the branch circuit. To me this indicates that if there's only one receptacle on the circuit, you can't have an outlet rated for less than the circuit, but it neither mentions nor prohibits oversizing the receptacle.
210-21(3), p.70-42: Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, receptacle ratings shall conform to the values listed in table 210-21(b)(3)... which says: 15amp circuit, not over15amp receptacle (20amp circuit, 15 or20amp receptacle. In contrast to (b)(1) abopve, in the case of 2 or more receptacles on the same 15 or 20amp circuit, this now seems to place the restriction on the other end of the scale. Now it does limit how large the receptacle can be rated, while also setting the boundary for how small.
Any devices connected to a 20 amp circuit should be using a #12 wire as a feeder and the outlet should be rated at 20 amps. The use of a 15 amp device on a 20 amp protected circuit will be putting the 15 amp device out of the specifications for the outlet. This rating of the outlet is approved by the UL or CSA testing labs to only use their recommended amperage for the device. To use a higher amperage could cause a failure of the outlet under extreme circumstances.
Yes you can put a 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit. A twenty amp circuit should have a twenty amp circuit breaker and a minimum of 12 gauge wire. If you install a 15 amp outlet a 20 amp device won't plug into it. The plug is different. | | is a 15 amp plug and -| | is a 20 amp plug. The circuit breaker protects the wire, and if everyone who work, modified, or jacked around with the circuit obeyed the rules, you won't tear anything up. If a device pulls more than 15 amps it should not have a 15 amp plug. A sixty watt light uses 0.5 amps even if it is on a 15 amp circuit. Even if 100 amps are available a device only uses the amperage it needs.
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
Receptacles rated 15A are allowed on a 20A circuit if the circuit feeds more than one receptacle.
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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Yes, as long as the wire on that circuit is AWG #12 and the breaker is a 20 amp breaker. FYI, you can install a 15 amp outlet or 15 amp GFCI on a 20 amp circuit. That is perfectly fine and meets the National Electric Code.
This is controlled typically by local building codes but I believe it is 12.
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Can you use32amp circuit for a 15amp appliance?
If it is a 32-amp circuit you can use any appliance that takes less than 32 amps. That includes a 15-amp appliance. All appliances fed from that circuit must use 32 amps or less in total.
Why do you use a 30amp breaker on a ring circuit and a 20 amp on a radial circuit?
Answer for UK, Europe and countries running a 50 Hz supply service.A ring circuit has two routes to each outlet, a radial has only one.
What size amp circuit breaker should be used for 110 outlet?
The size breaker you use is determined by the size wire used in the circuit. If you use AWG #12/2 wire then use a 20 amp breaker. If you use AWG # 14/2 then use a 15 amp breaker.
Can you use 14-3 wire on a 20amp breaker?
No. A 20 amp breaker needs 12 gauge wire.
Do you use Parallel circuit at homes and schools?
Every outlet in a home or a school is in parallel with every other outlet in the same home or school, and also very possibly with every outlet in several other buildings nearby. Every time you plug something into an outlet, you're connecting that thing in parallel with every other electrical thing that's plugged into any of those others.
What size wire do you use if you are require to wire a 6-20amp 220volt outlet?
# 6 wire
How do you wire 15amp 230v woodworking machine. 10agw or 12agw wire and type of outlet. Into a 15amp or 20amp breaker?
For a 15 amp 230V woodworking machine, you should use at least 10 AWG wire to handle the current. You can wire it into a 15 amp breaker with a suitable outlet, like a NEMA 6-15. However, if your woodworking machine has start-up surges or is a larger machine, you may want to consider using a 20 amp breaker and wire with 12 AWG to handle the load more comfortably.
Can wall outlets be on a 15amp breaker in the bedroom or do they have to be 20amp?
Wall outlets in the bedroom can be on a 15amp breaker as long as they are not part of a dedicated circuit that may have higher power demands. Typically, 15amp breakers are standard for general outlets in residential bedrooms.
Will GFCI work properly if 240 volt split into one 3 wire 120 volt circuit?
No, a GFCI outlet is designed for use with standard 120-volt circuits. Attempting to use a GFCI outlet with a 240-volt split circuit could cause damage to the outlet, the circuit, and could present a safety hazard. It is not recommended to use a GFCI outlet in this manner.
Can you use32amp circuit for a 15amp appliance?
If it is a 32-amp circuit you can use any appliance that takes less than 32 amps. That includes a 15-amp appliance. All appliances fed from that circuit must use 32 amps or less in total.
What will happen if you plug a 20amp plug into a 15 amp outlet?
Plugging a 20amp plug into a 15 amp outlet can lead to overloading the outlet, causing it to overheat and potentially start a fire. It is important to use outlets that match the amp rating of the plug to prevent electrical hazards.
What happens if you use a 20amp fuse when the microwave oven calls for a 15amp fuse?
The fuse is there to protect the wiring in your home not the microwave. Using a larger fuse than required for the wiring causes a fire hazard. You can end up burning your home down. Use only the fuse recommended.
Can you use 2 20amp circuit breakers to protect to 40amp?
No, it is not safe to use two 20 amp circuit breakers to protect a 40 amp circuit. Circuit breakers are designed to protect the wiring in a circuit from overheating, and using a higher amperage circuit breaker than the wiring is rated for can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. It is important to use the correct size circuit breaker for the amperage rating of the circuit.
What number wire do you use to wire a washing machine outlet?
A 2C #14 will be suffice but it should be the only device on the circuit. This is known as a dedicated circuit.
Can you use a none dedicated outlet for a space heater for a short period of time?
Yes, a space heater can be plugged into any outlet. Depending on what else is drawing current on the circuit will govern whether the circuit will trip or not. If the heater is plugged in and the circuit does not trip it can be left plugged as long as it is needed. If the heater trips after a few seconds, then try another outlet.
How much outlet to 20 amp breaker?
No. Receptacle is rated at 15 amps and the wire that feeds it will also rated at 15 amps. Since it will take 20 amps to trip the breaker the wire will be become overloaded. The above is true only if it is a single dedicated outlet. You can use 15A duplex outlets on a 20A circuit, ie: kitchen and dining room outlets per the National Electrical Code.
What kind of fuse need to use for 240V outlet?
For a 240V outlet, you should use a fuse that is rated for 240V. The fuse's amperage rating should match the amp rating of the circuit and be appropriate for the connected devices. It's important to use the correct type and rating of fuse to protect the circuit from overloading and electrical hazards.
