outlet ?

[statictree83]

This isn't about my garage this time but you guys give awesome feed back. In my dining room I have 12-2 copper wire on a 20 amp breaker. All my outlets and light switches are 15 amp. Which is within code here in ny. However I run an 8,000 btu ac in my dining room on its own outlet in that circuit. Should I and can I upgrade just that outlet to a 20amp just to be safe. Nothing besides a house phone is running off that circuit and sometimes a common house fan. Would it be okay to leave the rest of the outlets like they are and only change the one just to be sure it doesn't fualt due to the ac higher amp draw

 

[sberry]

The 15 are fine, the only difference in a 20 is the style. They really don't even belong on general circuits.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

15a outlets are usually 20a pass through. And other than the faceplate, there is no difference between 15a and 20a outlets- the internals are the same.

How would changing the outlet prevent an over current fault? That doesnt make sense...

What kinda of plug does the AC unit have- 5-15p or 5-20p?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

If you are worried about overheating or burning of the receptacle, you might consider replacing it with a better quality receptacle. Most of the receptacles usually found in a house are rather cheap, and considering they only power lights and the like, they work OK, but a good quality spec grade or commercial receptacle (which should cost $4 or so at Home Depot) might be a worthwhile investment if your present receptacle is of unknown quality.

If you find that the existing receptacles are of the push in backwire variety (older ones will accept 12 gauge wire, newer ones will not), you should replace all of them in the circuit with something better, as your weak link may not be the air conditioner receptacle, but an unused one up the line somewhere.

Charles

 

[statictree83]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm buying some at home depot there 15amp but there a commercial grade and its only about 16 dollars for a box of 10