4

So the 15/20 amp circuits are confusing, from my reading you can have a 20 amp breaker with 12g wire and multiple 15 amp receptacles because the total draw of all receptacles combined might exceed 15 amps.

However, you can't have a single 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit, because then the outlet might overheat if it draws more than 15 amps instead of the breaker tripping. For the purposes of this, a duplex receptacle is considered two separate receptacles.

I'm thinking about putting an outlet like this in for my garage. Does the addition of two USB outlets count a "Seperate receptacle" for the purposes of the above guidlines?

For the purpose of this question, I'm asking from Kansas.

enter image description here

Improve this question
3
  • There is a very similar question/answer here: diy.stackexchange.com/questions/12115/…
    – trip0d199
    Commented Nov 23, 2016 at 18:51
  • The previous question is actually where I got most of my info, however it is not a duplicate. This question is specifically about weather the above outlet counts as a duplex for the purposes of code standards.
    – Sidney
    Commented Nov 23, 2016 at 18:58
  • The confusing point for most people with 15/20 amp recpt's is the face. Most are 20 amp devices and can be used with 12ga wire and a 20 amp breaker. Two parallel blades over a ground is a 15 amp recpt face. To see what a 20 amp recpt face looks like click the last link in @sean's answer.
    – Tyson
    Commented Nov 23, 2016 at 20:04

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

I believe it does, based on the 2011 NEC (which I believe applies to you?)

Definitions used are available here

A strict interpretation of "receptacle" and "attachment plug" would make that a multiple receptacle.

There are 20 amp versions of that available; here for example

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.