Electrical Question - 20AMP

[Pekingman]

Currently, in the new house I bought, there is an existing 20AMP single terminal receptacle on its own circuit. I would like to replace that with a dual terminal 20AMP receptacle. Anybody see a problem with that? Or is there some reason it might be this way that I'm not thinking of?

 

[Davey4000]

Apparently the PO had a dedicated circuit for something. You can replace the single 20A receptacle with a duplex 20A receptacle. In fact you can add more 20A receptacles to the circuit if you wish…within the load capacity of a 20A circuit of course.

 

[Bib Overalls]

Are you sure it is not a 220 outlet for an AC?

 

[logical]

Sometimes a single non-GFI outlet is used in an area that would normally require GFI (Ground Fault Interupter). Codes sometimes allow a non-GFI in certain areas only if it is a single outlet and it is dedicated to a sump pump or refrigerator or something...so that nothing else can ever get plugged into the circuit. If this is in a basement, garage, outdoors or near a water supply, be sure it is GFI before you use and/or expand.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Sometimes a single non-GFI outlet is used in an area that would normally require GFI (Ground Fault Interupter). Codes sometimes allow a non-GFI in certain areas only if it is a single outlet and it is dedicated to a sump pump or refrigerator or something...so that nothing else can ever get plugged into the circuit. If this is in a basement, garage, outdoors or near a water supply, be sure it is GFI before you use and/or expand.

Indeed, in garage and basement areas that normally require GFCI the code does allow dedicated single receptacles for fridges and freezers. These items can trip a GFCI and you want them to work, so the code allows for these special circumstances.

Charles

 

[Pekingman]

This is indeed in a garage. I forgot though, that there are actually 2 single 20A receptacles. What I don't though, is whether they are on the same breaker or not. I will have to check that when I get home today. I have a freezer pugged into one and my Air Compressor in the other. Thanks for the insight so far.