15 amp Switch 20 amp breaker

[tomralph]

I probably already know the answer to this... but search isnt coming up with anything.

If I have a 20 amp circuit breaker, 12 gauge wire, a 15 amp switch, and a 2 amp fan... how many codes do I violate?

I am guessing/assuming that the switches must match the size of the breaker.

 

[G-ManBart]

I've read that 15A and 20A switches are actually the same internal parts, and just marked differently. I wouldn't call that definitive, but I've seen that claimed many times to the point I think there's a good chance it's true.

 

[tomralph]

That would make the most sense from a factory line pumping these things out.

I doubt it would be an issue... it is not switching a 20amp load, it is turning off a 2amp ceiling fan that would work just fine on a 15-amp breaker.

I just assume that the things downline of the breaker must be rated as the same as the breaker so that the breaker is the one tripping (and protecting everything) and avoiding having the switch as the weakest link.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

404.14(A) says to size switches based on the load.

So the 15a switch ia fine for your 2a load.

And no, 15a and 20a switches are not the same.

 

[tomralph]

404.14(A) says to size switches based on the load.

So the 15a switch ia fine for your 2a load.

And no, 15a and 20a switches are not the same.

Awesome.

Thank you very much sir!

 

[Milton Shaw]

The big difference is in the $.19 and the $2.50 ones. There is no way the 15 amp $.19 will be safer than the $2.50 15 amp on a 20 amp circuit. Don't ever buy the cheapest as you get what you pay for. On all electrical the mid priced and up is the only thing that you should choose for anything you are going to use. Buy once and cry instead of chasing down problems and loose connections from the cheap one for the next 20 years.

 

[Norcal]

Where are you going to find a 19 cent switch, other then a yard sale?

 

[F350]

Guessing quantity discount. Those lightweight switches and receptacles could be had for a few bucks in 10s or 20s.

 

[sberry]

I have used hundreds of the 48 cent switches. Cant remember ever having a problem with one. Same for the recepts.

On all electrical the mid priced and up is the only thing that you should choose for anything you are going to use. Buy once and cry instead of chasing down problems and loose connections from the cheap one for the next 20 years.

Biggest replacement item is gfci. Got one on 1 hp paint fan, both switch and a recept and a chop saw on a cheap recept, ones on my bench seen thousands of cycles.

 

[theoldwizard1]

"Better" quality switches and outlet usually have the "screw and plate" combination for wire retention.

 

[lakeroadster]

FWIW: 20 Amp Circuit with 15 Amp Light Switches