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How much can a 15 amp GFCI handle?
Do you? Kitchens and bathrooms should always have 20 amp gfci outlets. However, you must be using number 12 wire for 20 amp gfci or regular outlets If your wiring is number 14 guage then use a 15 amp. So, the wire size and breaker size together should be rated for 20 amps!
Can I put a 15A GFCI outlet on a 20A circuit?
4 Answers. Yes you can. Having the GFCI marked 20 Amp is so the one model can be used for either type of circuit. If you have a 20 Amp Circuit then there is no problem with using 15 Amp receptacles on the same run.
Can you replace a 20 amp GFCI with a 15 amp GFCI?
Yes. GFCI receptacles are duplex types (2 receptacles in one device), so a 15 A GFCI can be installed on a 20A circuit with no issue. The only time that a 20A GFCI must be used is where a device with a 20A plug will be connected.
Do I need a 15 amp or 20 amp GFCI?
The amp rating of the receptacle and circuit do not depend on whether the receptacle is a GFCI or not: If you have a 15 amp circuit, you must have 15 amp receptacles. If you have a 20 amp circuit, you can either have 20 amp receptacles, or 15 amp receptacles if there is more than one (e.g. a duplex receptacle).
Why are 20amp plugs different?
Receptacles with a 20 amp current have a similar design to the 15 amp ones, with a single exception: an additional horizontal slot, which forks from one of the vertical slots (picture on the right). This enables 20 amp plugs to be inserted directly into the outlet.
Can I put a 15A switch on a 20A circuit?
That is, for a 20 amp circuit, you can use one 15 amp outlet. If your circuit is 15 amp, you can control the entire circuit with a 15 amp switch. This is because it won’t exceed the maximum load. An example, for lighting, you can use a 15 amp switch.
Can a 15 amp GFCI outlet be supplied with 20 amp power?
A 15 amp GFCI outlet may be supplied power from a 20 amp circuit. But this defeats the purpose of the 20 amp circuit as far as that outlet is concerned since it will not be possible to plug in a 20 amp load.
Is it safe to plug a GFCI into a outlet?
Any GFCI at 20 Amp or lower is Safe. However, can be a waste of time if you plug a device into it, that you use a lot, and needs between 15 and 20 Amps of current.
Can a 15 amp outlet be installed on a 20 amp circuit?
According to National Electrical Code, only a 15-amp or 20-amp electrical receptacle can be installed to a 20-amp circuit. A 15-amp receptacle may also be installed on a 15-amp circuit. However, a 20-amp GFCI outlet may not be installed to a 15-amp circuit. If you are looking to install a 15-amp outlet, make sure:
What size wire do I need for a 20 amp breaker?
20 amp rated breaker → 20 amp rated (gauge 12) wire → single 20 amp rated outlet receptacle (regular or GFCI) An Example: the bathroom requires a 20A rated branch circuit. If this bathroom has only one electrical outlet receptacle installed, it must be 20A rated as well.