Re: 15 amp sockets and code?

ranck@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:
> James Sweet <jamessweet1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> 
>>> Now the question.  Has the code changed in recent years
>>> to disallow 15A (NEMA 5-15) outlets on 20A circuits, assuming
>>> of course the circuit uses 12ga wire?  I know there used
>>> to be specific exemption for 15A rated outlets on 20A wiring.
>>> Have they taken that away, or was warning on the box some
>>> legal CYA?  Just curious.
> 
>> I always use 20A circuits and #12 wire for receptacles, it's been 
>> standard practice for decades. The 15A rating is for each individual 
>> section of a duplex receptacle, no appliance with that plug will draw 
>> more than 15A.
> 
> Well, that's my standard practice as well.  The question was about
> the warning/instruction on the outlet packaging that specified
> use of a 15A breaker.  First I'd ever heard of such a warning.
> 
> I told the guy I would normally use 12ga wire, but he already had
> 14ga and as far as I know it's not illegal to use, just not what
> I would do.
> 
> Bill Ranck
> Blacksburg, Va.


Maybe they're super cheap receptacles? Amazes me whenever I see someone 
installing the 79 cent things when $1.60 or so will get one so much 
better made that doesn't wear out in a few years.