Replies

1. 
   Stuart | Oct 25, 2009 10:07pm | #1

   Yes, it's allowed as long as there is more than one 15 amp receptacle on the circuit. Since most receptacles are duplex (two plugs) it's usually not an issue. For future reference, this is in Article 210-21 of the NEC.

1. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 25, 2009 10:14pm | #2

   Thanks for your help!

   Fred

    

2. 
   fingersandtoes | Oct 25, 2009 10:55pm | #7

   Except that the TS I believe lives in Canada... which you wouldn't know because he hasn't filled in his profile.

2. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 25, 2009 10:19pm | #3

   Thanks! 

   Are you referring to Thom Hartmann?  If you are, what a guy!

   On the electrical question, what's confusing is what happens if you plug a 18amp device into a 15amp recep on a 20 amp circuit?

   Thanks again,    Fred

3. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 25, 2009 10:24pm | #4

   Thanks! 

   Are you referring to Thom Hartmann?  If you are, what a guy!

   On the electrical question, what's confusing is what happens if you plug a 18amp device into a 15amp recep on a 20 amp circuit?

   Thanks again,    Fred

1. 
   Stuart | Oct 25, 2009 10:38pm | #5

   I'm not sure what an 18 amp device would be, but it should have at least a 20 amp plug on it so it won't fit into a 15 amp receptacle.

1. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 25, 2009 10:52pm | #6

   Stuart,

   Okay,  that makes sense and good to know that the plug type would keep things safe.

   Thanks again,  Fred

1. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 25, 2009 11:07pm | #8

   Hi again Stuart,

   I thought of another question about understanding how this works.  Are divices that are over 15amps all wired with a 20amp plug to keep from overloading a 15amp recep?

   Thanks,     Fred

1. 
   BillHartmann | Oct 26, 2009 03:52am | #14

   "Hi again Stuart,I thought of another question about understanding how this works. Are divices that are over 15amps all wired with a 20amp plug to keep from overloading a 15amp recep?"First of all, if you are in Canada the way that these things are treated are slightly diffferent. But I don't know the details.But there are a number of overlapping rules in the US. NEC, UL, and what is REALLY DONE.Now a 20 amp breaker does not trip at 20.001 amps. I don't remember the numbers. but something like 30% overload (26 amps) for 30 minutes would not surprise me.For that reason many circuits are restricted to 80% of nominal rating.And it is very rare to find an 20 plug on an 120 voltage household appliance.Now hou will find things, like Jet contractor saw, with UL labels and it comes with a 15 amp plug while the motor is mark as having an 18 amp load.How it that?Well if you look closely you will find that the Motor has a UL label, the switch has a UL label, and the cordset has a 2 UL lable. And if you look up those specific UL rules you see that they cover the specific devices and none of them cover the application. IE, that 15 amp corset is not approved for use on the 18 amp motor.
   .
   William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe

2. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 25, 2009 11:11pm | #9

   Hi again Stuart,

   I thought of another question about understanding how this works.  Are divices that are over 15amps all wired with a 20amp plug to keep from overloading a 15amp recep?

   Thanks,     Fred

1. 
   Stuart | Oct 25, 2009 11:24pm | #10

   I suppose you could say that, but it also protects the wire, the device itself and the person plugging it in, as well as keeping you from blowing the fuse or circuit breaker. Here is a handy chart that shows the various styles of plugs and receptacles for different voltages and ampacities. http://www.frentzandsons.com/Hardware%20References/plugandreceptacleconfiguratio.htm#15%20Amp.

   Edited 10/25/2009 4:25 pm by Stuart

1. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 25, 2009 11:46pm | #11

   Stuart,

   I'm printing out the chart to stick in my wiring book.

   Many Thanks,   Fred

2. 
   JTC1 | Oct 26, 2009 12:33am | #12

   >>Are divices that are over 15amps all wired with a 20amp plug to keep from overloading a 15amp recep?<<

   Yes, if they wear a UL stamp.  Protect receptacle, wire, circuit breaker, etc.

   FWIW, 20A plug-in devices are pretty few and far between, and typically not found on very many household devices. Can't think of any off hand......

   JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

2. 
   BillHartmann | Oct 26, 2009 03:32am | #13

   "Are you referring to Thom Hartmann? If you are, what a guy!"I am not Thom, but a FAR AMOUNT. But I am "what a guy". Just ask the nurses in PCU. Where I just got out of the hospital from making my chest into sauerkraut. (CAGB proceedure).Yes, the nurses where all comment that I had never seen anyone like me the way that I recovered.And here, comparing me to Thom Hartmann, trying to put me back in the hospital <G>..
   William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe

1. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 26, 2009 08:44am | #16

   Bill,

   Thanks for your help on the recep. question and sorry to hear about your hospital visit.......hope all is well now or soon.

   My comment about Thom Hartmann was to be a compliment as my wife and I really like his views and the questions he raises.  Sorry if it wasn't.

   Fred

4. 
   DanH | Oct 26, 2009 05:04am | #15

   Legal in the US, but not, IIRC, in Canada.

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
5. 
   Dinosaur | Oct 26, 2009 09:09am | #17

   Fred--

   In Canada you need to have two duplex receptacles on an dedicated 20-A breaker for every kitchen installation, mounted at counter height. The receptacles used are always standard 15-A duplexes.

   Dinosaur

   How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
   low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
   foolish men call Justice....
   

   

1. 
   Fred22410 | Oct 26, 2009 09:11am | #18

   Thanks again,

   Fred