American Locomotive
Well-known member
210.21 (B) (1): "A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an ampere rating not less than that of the branch circuit". 210.21 (B) (3) and Table 210.21 B (3) describes that if there are two or more receptacles on a branch circuit, you are permitted to use 15 amp receptacles. However table 210.21 (B) (2) shows that a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp branch circuit is limited to 12 amps maximum current.210 21 simply describes the allowable connected load, not the allowed recept. It goes further down the way to describe utilization equipment in the 80% rule.
The connected load is limited by the design, this hoist comes with a 15 end but this load (12A) is allowed to be connected to this circuit thru a 15 recept on a 20A circuit.
But that's fine, since his lift doesn't use over 12 amps.
There are all kinds of inconsistencies within the NEC and even between other standards and ratings bodies. My 15 amp hair-dryer has a 16 AWG cord. My 12 amp vacuum cleaner has an 18 AWG cord.My ability to explain this leaves a lot to be desired. I bought new microwave, 15 end, 14.8 rating. I am not sure how they come to that but they do. Its a listed product. Power strips, 15 breakers.
My Lincoln 125 MIG has a 15 amp plug on 12 gauge wire, but in the manual, Lincoln states the machine should be installed on a dedicated 25 amp circuit for maximum power. Yet there are no 25 amp outlets that can accept a NEMA 5-15 plug.
My TIG welder came with a 15 amp 120v plug to 50 amp 240v receptacle adapter cord. It's molded, approved and everything. According to things like the NEC, this adapter cord should not exist, yet it's mass produced?

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