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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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∙ 9y ago
Using a 20 amp switch on a 15 amp circuit is generally safe, as the switch is rated for a higher amperage than the circuit. It will not cause any issues as long as the total connected load does not exceed the circuit's 15 amp capacity. Just make sure the rest of the components on the circuit are also compatible with a 15 amp capacity.
Wiki User
∙ 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.
Wiki User
∙ 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.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoNo, it shouldn't be. Purchase a 20 amp rated switch.
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∙ 15y 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
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoYes- The switch just has the ability to carry a higher current then the normal 15 amp type.
Wiki User
∙ 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?
A 20 Amp single pole switch is needed when the circuit requires higher amperage capacity to safely control the load. Using a 15 Amp switch on a circuit that requires 20 Amps could lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. Always match the switch's amperage rating with the circuit's requirements for safety and proper functionality.
Why would i need a 20-Amp Single-Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?
A 20-Amp single-pole switch is needed if you are controlling a circuit that has a higher current capacity (20 Amps) compared to a 15-Amp switch. Using a switch with a lower amperage rating than the circuit can handle may cause overheating and potential safety hazards. Always match the switch amperage rating with the circuit's capacity to ensure safe operation.
Can you install a 20 amp exhaust timer on a 15 amp circuit?
No, it is not safe to install a 20 amp exhaust timer on a 15 amp circuit. The exhaust timer should match the amp rating of the circuit to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. If your circuit is rated for 15 amps, you should use a 15 amp exhaust timer.
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.
How do you know if you need a 20 amp gfi or 15 amp gfi?
The choice between a 20 amp GFCI and a 15 amp GFCI depends on the ampacity of the circuit you are protecting. A 20 amp GFCI can handle up to 20 amps of current and is typically used for circuits rated at 20 amps or less. A 15 amp GFCI is suitable for circuits rated up to 15 amps. It is important to match the GFCI to the ampacity of the circuit to ensure proper protection.
Why would you need a 20 Amp Single Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?
A 20 Amp single pole switch is needed when the circuit requires higher amperage capacity to safely control the load. Using a 15 Amp switch on a circuit that requires 20 Amps could lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. Always match the switch's amperage rating with the circuit's requirements for safety and proper functionality.
Why would i need a 20-Amp Single-Pole Switch insted of a 15 Amp?
A 20-Amp single-pole switch is needed if you are controlling a circuit that has a higher current capacity (20 Amps) compared to a 15-Amp switch. Using a switch with a lower amperage rating than the circuit can handle may cause overheating and potential safety hazards. Always match the switch amperage rating with the circuit's capacity to ensure safe operation.
Can you install a 20 amp exhaust timer on a 15 amp circuit?
No, it is not safe to install a 20 amp exhaust timer on a 15 amp circuit. The exhaust timer should match the amp rating of the circuit to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. If your circuit is rated for 15 amps, you should use a 15 amp exhaust timer.
What amp plug does the average router have?
15 amp outlet 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 you use a 20 amp fuse and wire rated for it in a 15 amp outlet?
No, it is not safe to use a 20 amp fuse and wire rated for it in a 15 amp outlet. The outlet is designed for a maximum of 15 amps, so exceeding this limit could lead to overheating and potentially start a fire. It is important to use components that are rated for the appropriate amperage to ensure safety.
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, you can use a 15 amp appliance on a 20 amp socket. The appliance will only draw the amount of current it needs, so there should be no issue with using it on a higher amp socket. Just make sure the voltage matches.
Does a microwave need a 15 or 20 amp circuit?
A typical microwave needs a dedicated 15-amp circuit to operate safely. However, some larger microwaves or ones with additional features may require a 20-amp circuit. It's always best to consult the appliance's manual or an electrician for specific requirements.
Can a circuit breaker be tripped by using 20 amp sockets instead of 15 amp sockets?
A circuit breaker protects the wires that the devices are connected to. If the devices that are connected to the circuit are 20 amps the wire size should be #12 wire fed from a 20 amp breaker. This breaker should not trip unless the circuit is overloaded or a fault occurs on the circuit. If the devices that are connected to the circuit are15 amps the wire size should be #14 wire fed from a15 amp breaker. This breaker should not trip unless the circuit is overloaded or a fault occurs on the circuit. Putting 20 amp sockets on this 15 amp circuit will work but the circuit is limited to the amount of load that can be plugged in. You will not get the full capacity of the 20 socket because the breaker will trip at 15 amps.
Can you wire 15 amp plug on a 20 amp circuit?
Yes, you can wire a 15 amp plug on a 20 amp circuit, as long as the wiring and breaker are compatible with the 15 amp load. It's important to use the appropriate wire gauge for the load and ensure that the circuit breaker is sized correctly to protect the wiring.
