Hi Is it a problem to have a number of 20amp receptacles on a 20amp circuit-breaker like a number of 15amp receptacles on a 20amp circuit? Or should a 20amp circuit have only one 20amp receptacle? I have read numerous electrical books looking for this answer and not see it [if it is there] Thanks for your help. Frank
3 Answers
The only reading you need to do is NEC Article 210. Specifically Article 210.21(B) (1) which states that if there is only one receptacle on a 20A circuit it must be 20A. Also 210.21(B)(3) and Table 210.21(B)(2) which tell you you can use 15A receptacles on multiple outlet 20A circuits.
Hope this helps.
answered Nov 28, 2018 at 13:23
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I'm reading NEC 210.21(B)(1) in the 2023 edition, and it doesn't say that if there's only one receptacle on a 20 A circuit it must be 20 A. It says the receptacle shall have an ampere rating not less than that of the branch circuit.– balazerCommented Jan 8 at 2:42
First, the one-socket rule: If a circuit powers one socket, and it‘s a one-eye "simplex", then the socket amp rating and breaker must match exactly, except for 40A.
The common plug found in American houses is a "duplex" - it has two sockets. Very important.
A 15, 20 or 30A circuit can have any number of same size sockets. *
There is a special exception in NEC that allows 15A sockets on 20A circuits. That is a mate to another regulation (in product safety codes, not in the NEC) that requires all 15A sockets must be rated for 20A passthrough.
That's how we get here. Remember the 1-socket rule still applies, so a lone 15A socket on a 20A breaker is no-go.
* There are other rules in NEC or building codes which, in some cases, limit how many receptacles you can have on one circuit.
answered Nov 28, 2018 at 17:50
Harper - Reinstate MonicaHarper - Reinstate Monica
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Is it a problem to have more 20 amp receptacles on a 20 amp circuit?
No it is not a problem at all. With residential there is not a true limit to the number unless local jurisdiction limits the number. Most of the time only 15 amp outlets are used on 20 amp circuits with a minimum of 2 but usually many more. Most folks don't spend the extra on 20 amp outlets because when was the last time you actually saw a 20 amp cord connected device (fairly rare) with the exception of roasters or other large kitchen appliances so we use 15 amp outlets most of the time.
