12/31/2023 0 Comments 20a breakerIf so, you may only need to prepare to spend about $5 to $20 for the new circuit breaker.Ĭan I Use A 15-Amp GFCI Receptacle On A 20-Amp Circuit? How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade 15 Amp To 20 Amp Breaker?Ĭhanging a 15-amp breaker to a 20-amp model costs about $100 to $200 if you call a professional.īut it’s also possible to reduce the overhead by using DIY methods. Install a 20-amp GFCI receptacle if you see a 12 AWG wire. Use a 15 amp GFCI outlet if the circuit uses a 14 AWG wire. How Do I Know If I Need A 15- Or 20-Amp GFCI Outlet?Ĭheck and inspect the wire on the electrical service panel attached to the receptacle. However, if you’re using a large appliance with a 15 amp plug on 20 amp circuit, such as a large microwave oven, you should only use one receptacle for this setup. So, it’s wise to only use up to seven or eight outlets for a single 20-amp circuit breaker. But the number can change depending on the appliance or electronic device you’re using.įor example, a laptop typically draws 2 amps while in active mode. Theoretically, you can use up to ten outlets on one 20-amp circuit. But you risk ruining the appliance or the circuit if the device draws 20 amps and you connect it to a 15-amp receptacle. This wattage promotes the safe operation of high-power appliances like refrigerators, blenders, and dryers.Īlso, you may plug a 15 amp appliance into a 20 amp outlet. On the other hand, a 20-amp outlet should be able to supply up to 2,400 watts. Some examples include computers, lamps, and mobile phone chargers. What’s the Difference Between 15A and 20A Outlet?Ī 15-amp outlet can power devices up to 1,800 watts. Is it normal to run a single 15amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit? I’m in MA and have read that it might be against code? Join the discourse by following this link: You’ll find Reddit users engaged in discussions about this question too. If you’re about to use a 15A outlet on a 20A circuit, and you’re having doubts about using DIY techniques for the installation, call a certified and reliable electrician to handle the job. That means that you may use two 15-amp or 20-amp devices in that one receptacle, although it still ultimately depends on the total current draw. It’s because many 20-amp outlets are duplexes. You can reduce the risk of an overload or a fire by using the proper gauge wire for the setup.Īdditionally, be aware of the type of receptacle used for the circuit. In a similar vein, avoid using a 20 amp receptacle on 20 amp circuit. But you can’t connect a 20-amp plug to a 15-amp outlet, or an overload can occur. Some risks still exist that may increase the potential for accidents happening.įor instance, remember that you can insert a 15-amp plug into a suitable outlet connected to a 20-amp circuit. What Happens if You Use It? Are There Any Risks?Īlthough we can use a 15 amp outlet on 20 amp breaker, it doesn’t mean that all hazards disappear. Doing so can increase the risk of a fire. However, it’s not advisable to plug an electronic device into the 15A outlet on 20A circuit, particularly if the product draws more than 16 amps. Take note that the 20% allowable usage of the 20-amp circuit is 16 amps, which means using a 15-amp outlet should be safe. The NEC code indicates that a circuit breaker should only use 80% of its maximum continuous current rating. Using a 15 amp receptacle on 20 amp circuit is possible because of the NEC 80% rule. Why Can You Use 15 Amp Outlets on 20 Amp Circuit?
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