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RE: 20 amp Duplex on 15 amp circuits? yes? no? don't care?

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In Reply to: RE: 20 amp Duplex on 15 amp circuits? yes? no? don't care? posted by Duster on March 20, 2017 at 21:22:11

Putting NEC aside.

Changing out a 15 amp duplex receptacle, that is connected to a 15 amp branch circuit, to a 20 amp rated audio grade or even a quality spec grade or hospital grade duplex receptacle in itself would not create an electrical safety hazard/issue, imo, providing the duplex outlet is used for audio equipment that is designed/manufactured to use a 15 plug. (By the way there is no limit to how many 15 amp duplex receptacles can be installed on a 15 amp branch circuit in a residential dwelling unit.)

AND IF a 15 amp is changed out to a 20 amp, in the event the the audio system is moved to another location or the owner sells the house the 20 amp duplex must replaced with a 15 amp duplex. I doubt if a high dollar audio grade 20 amp duplex receptacle would ever be left for a new owner, not sure about a spec grade 20 amp outlet though. See that's the thing about electrical safety codes, it makes it safe for the next unknowing owner. Does it happen a previous owner might leave a 20 amp duplex receptacle on a 15 amp branch circuit? Yes. New guy moves in and sees a 20 amp duplex under a window in a room with 15 amp duplex outlets.

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IF a piece of audio equipment is designed/manufactured to use a 20 amp plug and the user then changes out a 15 amp duplex, that is connected to a 15 amp branch circuit, to a 20 amp rated duplex receptacle so he can plug it in, then that would be clearly electrically unsafe. For the reason/s I stated in my previous post.

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