Bigredford
Well-known member
Looking for a better then average grade 120v 20 amp outlets to put in my shop space that will also meet code. I prefer black. Something heavy duty.
120v 20 amp outlets
- Thread starter Bigredford
- Start date
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Spec grade should work fine... couple bucks each at the big orange box
but why do you need 20a outlets? do you actually have utilization equipment that has 20a plugs on the cords?
but why do you need 20a outlets? do you actually have utilization equipment that has 20a plugs on the cords?
nadogail
Well-known member
Sometimes a consumer will specify the Heavy Duty model to satisfy an urge to appear they are really more than they appear. Kind of like the guy who buys a 1 ton pickup to bring home a few 2X4's.
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
If you think they are more "heavy duty".....they aren't.
Because 15A outlets must have a 20A pass through rating, the internal parts are exactly the same as a 20A receptacle of the same grade.
There is less demand for the 20s, hence they are more expensive
Because 15A outlets must have a 20A pass through rating, the internal parts are exactly the same as a 20A receptacle of the same grade.
There is less demand for the 20s, hence they are more expensive
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Is the OP in Canada? Here you can only put 20A recept on 20A circuits... 15's aren't allowed and not rated for it.
Edit: I normally choose the commercial, spec, or hospital grade to get the better quality. They typically have a continuous metal mounting strap down the backside.
Edit: I normally choose the commercial, spec, or hospital grade to get the better quality. They typically have a continuous metal mounting strap down the backside.
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alfredeneuman
Well-known member
So the exact same receptacle isn't rated the same as in the US, even though it's listed for the same use in both countries?
rburke65
Well-known member
I…opinion….do not believe the 20 Amp. Outlets are worth the extra cost.
HenryAZ
MEMBER EMERITUS
How do you identify a 20amp circuit when you are using "15 amp" outlets for both 15amp & 20amp circuits?
ROBZ71LM7
Well-known member
Little value in 20A receptacles unless you have the very rare 20A plug. Within the same grade the 15A and 20A are often the same-only the cover is different-I've seen 20A stabs under a 15A cover. There is value in upgrading to a better quality receptacle though as they are much more robust. $2-3 each will get you a much nicer receptacle for high usage than the builder specials.
I guess not. A 5-15R is a 15A device by definition. CEC doesn't make an exception for use on 20A circuits.
adrenalinejeeper
Well-known member
We used these in white and tamper resistant, very happy with them. The back wiring(NOT BACK STABBING) to the screw terminals made the finish wiring a breeze. I found a seller on Ebay selling the white TR by the case for a good price.
Normal:
www.hubbell.com
Tamper Resistant, if you need it for inspections:
www.hubbell.com
Normal:
Straight Blade Devices, Receptacles, Duplex, Decorator/Commercial/Industrial Grade, 2-Pole 3-Wire Grounding, 20A 125V, 5-20R, Black, Single Pack | DR20BLK | Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems
Straight Blade Devices, Receptacles, Duplex, Decorator/Commercial/Industrial Grade, 2-Pole 3-Wire Grounding, 20A 125V, 5-20R, Black, Single Pack.
Tamper Resistant, if you need it for inspections:
Straight Blade Devices, Receptacles, Tamper-Resistant Duplex, Decorator/Commercial/Industrial Grade, 2-Pole 3-Wire Grounding, 20A 125V, 5-20R | DR20BLKTR | Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems
Straight Blade Tamper-Resistant Duplex Receptacle, Decorator/Commercial/Industrial Grade, 2-Pole 3-Wire Grounding, 20A 125V, 5-20R
A 15 amp circuit is usually served by 14 gauge wire, while a 20 amp rated circuit (circuit, not just the recpt) must be served by 12 guage wire. 20 amp rated circuits are pretty rare (as mentioned above) with most being used in hot or jet tubs. Not sure about how Canada regulates the above tho.
slow
Well-known member
Honest question, Why would a user need to care? A 20 amp device has a 20 amp plug and a 15 amp device can plug into both a 15 and 20 amp receptacles. The 20 amp circuit with 15 amp receptacles just will allow more power drawing devices before the breaker trips.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
What difference does it make? People are going to use whatever receptacle is available. The only guaranteed 20 amp receptacles are going to be the kitchen, dining, bathrooms, laundry, and garage in newer homes. If it's an old enough house, it's a **** shoot as to what the circuit is. I've seen where people have installed a 20 amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit because the 20 amp was "more heavier duty". Besides that, 20 amp receptacles look out of place
HenryAZ
MEMBER EMERITUS
I was thinking along the lines of a garage receptacle which was 20amps wired, but all the receptacles in the garage are 15amp in appearance. Put a couple of guys using angle grinders, for example, and they could double up on a real 20amp receptacle. Or just a variety of loads that exceed 13amps. It was mentioned above not to bother using 20amp receptacles on 12awg wiring, as 15amps ones would carry the load. Which is why I wondered how to tell which one is really 20amps capable. Personally, for the couple of 20amp circuits I have in the garage, I go ahead and "splurge" on 20amp receptacles, mainly for identification purposes, not that I necessarily have anything with a 20amp plug.
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mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
20a circuits are quite common. Since most circuits have more than one outlet, 15a receptacles are just fine for them
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
ummm maybe in your area but definitely not the case out here.... 20a circuits are not rare at all. most the cirucits in my house are 20a circuits. but not one of them has a a 20a receptacle connected to it.... no need
ummm they could double up on a 15a receptacle on a 20a circuit just as well. your comment makes no sense...
HenryAZ
MEMBER EMERITUS
Yes, I know that. I was getting at using a 15amp receptacle that is really 15 amps, indistinguishable from the same outlet wired for 20amps. Of course they could use a 20amp line, but when all the outlets look alike, how do you know? That was my original question. I suspect probably all of your garage circuits are 20amp wired, so no problem for you. But for someone like me who inherited a house with a lot of true 15amp outlets, then added some 20amp wired ones, how does one eyeball the difference when hooking up to identical looking outlets? Do you mark them some how, or "just know"? I chose to use 20amp outlets merely for identification purposes.
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You'd have to check the breaker size and figure out what outlets are on what breaker and mark them.
If you want to figure out the wire size pull off the cover plate and it'll say on the wire. You might have to shut off the breaker and pull out the receptacle to check. But having 12 wire won't make a difference if it's only on a 15a breaker.
If you want to figure out the wire size pull off the cover plate and it'll say on the wire. You might have to shut off the breaker and pull out the receptacle to check. But having 12 wire won't make a difference if it's only on a 15a breaker.
NickH
Well-known member
I went with 20a receptacles only because the 15a commercial grade grey were not easy to find when I was doing my wiring (not sure why?). Once I got started, my OCD took over and needing to match, I stuck with the same style throughout.
They were more expensive than the comparable 15a outlets, but it wasn't crazy-more.
I do actually have a battery charger in my old fire truck that uses a 20a plug, but other than that I'm not sure I've seen one in the wild on "typical" garage equipment.
They were more expensive than the comparable 15a outlets, but it wasn't crazy-more.
I do actually have a battery charger in my old fire truck that uses a 20a plug, but other than that I'm not sure I've seen one in the wild on "typical" garage equipment.
As for the 5-20P, have encountered them on certain 120v mig welders and higher-wattage engine block heaters.
One tool I don't understand comes with a 5-15p are the 7 and 9" angle grinders. Nuisance trips a-plenty on 15A circuits.
One tool I don't understand comes with a 5-15p are the 7 and 9" angle grinders. Nuisance trips a-plenty on 15A circuits.
snickers muncher
Well-known member
When I rewired my house I used 12 ga wires and 20 amp circuits, but used 15 amp receptacles. As others have noted they just aren't need in your typical household situation. I did add separate 20 amp outside GFCI at each end of the house. I thought at the time that I might get a 120 welder. Of course I never did.
klassenl
Well-known member
Can any of the electrician's from then USA clarify for me. You guys can run #12 wire, 20a breaker and then put a 15a receptacle on it?
Not an electrician, but I am in the USA. My house was built in '05. I have several 20A circuits with 15A outlets; and I have no 20A outlets at all. I did not wire the house. Passed inspection, judging by the sticker on the panel.
I put a subpanel in my garage & wired several 20A circuits (12 ga wire). Used 15A outlets. No inspection, no issues. My Hobart Handler 140 runs great off the circuits.
I put a subpanel in my garage & wired several 20A circuits (12 ga wire). Used 15A outlets. No inspection, no issues. My Hobart Handler 140 runs great off the circuits.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
As long as it has multiple receptacles on the circuit
Terry D
Well-known member
If there is only a single receptacle on the whole circuit, then it would have to be a 20 amp. But two or more receptacles on a 20 amp circuit can be 15 amp. So if you put a duplex on a 20 amp dedicated circuit, it can be a 15 amp.
If you have a dedicated 15 amp circiuit, you can put a 15 or 20 amp single receptacle, but two or more receptacles have to be 15 amp. You can not put more than one 20 amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit.
As others have said, yes that is true. As to the reason, our 15a recepts and rated at 15 for plug connected devices, but 20amp pass through.
Cruzan80
Well-known member
Hence why I have a mix of 15A and 20A outlets in my house. I am matching it to the breaker. I know not needed, but with an unlabelled panel, which is already a mess inside, it helps to have any identifying marks you can. Also, while "more", they are not that much more.
As long as it is not a single 15A, it is permitted, the internals are the same on 15A & 20A duplex receptacles, BTW.
The only real difference between our 15 and 20A recpts is the extra slot in the face. Some brands even have the contacts for the T slot but not the hole in the face on their 15A recepts. The internals are the same it only limits the things you can plug in.
2Busy
Well-known member
I always thought you matched the outlet to the circuit (20 to 20 and 15 to 15) so that it was obvious what amp circuit you were plugging into, hopefully preventing plugging loads requiring 20 amps into a 15 amp circuit. No so??
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nope
klassenl
Well-known member
In Canada yes.
ddawg16
Well-known member
Hmmmm
If wired per NEC, those 15 Amp outlets are wired with 12 AWG wire....rated for 20A
A 15A outlet will let you pull 20A....until the breaker trips...if it does trip
In my experience....the NEC code is 'conservative'....but for good reasons
If wired per NEC, those 15 Amp outlets are wired with 12 AWG wire....rated for 20A
A 15A outlet will let you pull 20A....until the breaker trips...if it does trip
In my experience....the NEC code is 'conservative'....but for good reasons