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About Rick Miell
Expertise
Past County electrical inspector, hold St. of Colorado Master license, will try to answer any electrical question with Code related answers.

Experience
State of Colorado Master Electrician. Past County Electricial Inspector (15 years)

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Electrical Wiring in the Home - code question

Expert: Rick Miell - 11/11/2004

Question
I Wanted to know if its with in code to use 15 amp switches and receptacles on a 20 amp breaker. (Residental)

Answer
Hi aj.

It is allowable to install a 15amp duplex outlet on a 20amp circuit. See Article 210.21(B)(3) for this rule.

Switches are covered in Article 404.14. This says that all snap switches are to be used within their rating. A 15amp switch could not be used on a 20amp circuit, unless allowed by Article 404.14(A)(1, 2 or 3).

Hope this helps.

PS. 2002 National Electrical Code used for these answers.

Rick Miell

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This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here