Question on 20amp circuit / breaker

[SweetD]

Guys,

Couple quick questions, replacing an outdoor non-GFCI receptacle:

If I have a 20AMP breaker on a circuit which includes our main floor lavatory and a single outdoor receptacle on our back deck, would that likely indicate I can use a 20AMP GFCI to replace the old crappy non-GFCI outdoor receptacle?

The breaker box is labeled 'bathroom and outside' for that 20AMP fuse. I also read that outdoor receptacle circuits are often 20AMP to account for potential larger draw of outdoor use of power equipment, etc.

Is this typical?

Thanks -

Dave

 

[thewatusi]

Both the bathroom and the outside outlet have to be gfci protected. You can either put in a gfci breaker (more expensive) or put a gfci outlet in place of the first outlet in the circuit (cheaper)

 

[SweetD]

Both the bathroom and the outside outlet have to be gfci protected. You can either put in a gfci breaker (more expensive) or put a gfci outlet in place of the first outlet in the circuit (cheaper)

Thanks! I should've mentioned that the breaker is in fact a GFCI protected breaker. So no need for the GFCI receptacle at the outdoor location then?

If that's the case, can I use a "regular" non-GFCI receptacle at the outdoor location, covered with an outdoor rated bubble cover?

Dave

 

[thewatusi]

Yes, and yes.

Just to make yourself feel good you can buy a little plug in tester that has a button to check to see if an outlet is gfci protected.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LZTKIU

 

[Eriehunter]

Yes if you have gfci protection at the breaker all down stream outlets are protected.

 

[SweetD]

Thanks guys! I bought the GFCI tester today along with the new outdoor rated box. You have confirmed my procedure - thank you!

Dave

 

[pattenp]

Also, you can just use a 15A outlet. No need to use an actual 20A outlet.

 

[SweetD]

Also, you can just use a 15A outlet. No need to use an actual 20A outlet.

I just thought of asking that as an add-on - you read my mind, thanks!



Dave

 

[mooseeater19]

Also, you can just use a 15A outlet. No need to use an actual 20A outlet.

Do you mean a t-slot 15/20a receptacle?5r20 I think it is.

 

[pattenp]

Do you mean a t-slot 15/20a receptacle?5r20 I think it is.

Yes, a NEMA 5-20R.

 

[SweetD]

Got it, thanks!

 

[pattenp]

Got it, thanks!

The 5-20R is what you don't want to use. You should use a 5-15R.

Use the 15A on the right....

 

[SweetD]

The 5-20R is what you don't want to use. You should use a 5-15R.

Ok now I'm confused. I was planning on using what I had on hand, which I'm not exactly sure what the type is. It says on the back of the receptacle:

"For 15AMP branch circuit only" #14-#12 AWG

I don't see much else on it that makes sense other than "USA"...?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Also, you need to use a weather resistant rated receptacle, for outdoor use. It has real brass contacts in it, now required by code.

Charles

 

[SweetD]

Thank you guys I will pick up the correct one tomorrow...much appreciated!

 

[pattenp]

Also, you need to use a weather resistant rated receptacle, for outdoor use. It has real brass contacts in it, now required by code.

Charles

Good point Charles. This is a 2011 NEC requirement. Also, weather resistant devices must have a “WR” marking clearly visible when installed.

 

[SweetD]

Good point Charles. This is a 2011 NEC requirement. Also, weather resistant devices must have a “WR” marking clearly visible when installed.

The GFCI receptacle I picked up for this job has the "WR" marked on it. I will get the 5-15R with the "WR" when I return the GFCI tomorrow.

You guys are a huge help, thanks again!

Dave

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Ok now I'm confused. I was planning on using what I had on hand, which I'm not exactly sure what the type is. It says on the back of the receptacle:

"For 15AMP branch circuit only" #14-#12 AWG

I don't see much else on it that makes sense other than "USA"...?

NEMA 5-20 and 5-15 are the standards for pin configuration on plugs and receptacles for 120v. The number 5 tells us it is for 120v, and the number 15 or 20 tells us the amperage. Despite the fact that you have a 20 amp circuit breaker/12 gauge wire, you do NOT need a 20 amp rated receptacle

Code only requires that the receptacle rating conform to the circuit amperage IF and only if, you have ONE SINGLE receptacle on the circuit. Since a DUPLEX receptacle is considered TWO receptacles by the code, you only need to use the common 15 amp configuration, and not the 20 amp T slot version (which usually cost somewhat more).

Note in the illustration above, the R is the receptacle (or female) view, and P is the plug (or male) view.

You do need to seek out a weather resistant receptacle at the big box store, supply house, or local hardware.

Charles

 

[SweetD]

Charles, thanks for the explanation behind the coding and terminology. I really appreciate it - and one of the reasons I love this website and its great membership...!



Dave

 

[SweetD]

Re: Question on 20amp circuit / breaker - update, job done!

Well I got the receptacle switched out just as this nasty weather gets here this morning - here is the old receptacle - bad shape:





And the new setup - it's a "low profile" expandable water resistant cover:



THANKS again guys - I'm just a weekend warrior, so it's great to learn something and apply it myself!



Dave