ChristmasDude Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 Hi,My understanding is that there are two types of outlets 15amp and 20amp. By outlets, I mean the place where you plug in electric stuff.So lets say I install a 20amp outlet, and it can take two plugs, is there 10amps going to each plug, or could I draw the full 20 amps from one plug?Thanks for your time and responses, they are always greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aemnky Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 Yes you can. You must use 12 guage wire no smaller (Example 12gauge=20 amp, 14gauge=15 amp, 16= 10 amp) also you must have a outlet that is rated for 20 amp.Walter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristmasDude Posted October 3, 2009 Author Share Posted October 3, 2009 Thanks Walter. So, on a 20amp outlet, I could draw 20 amps from just one of the two plugs or 10/10 on each plug? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBullard Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 Well, first the two types of outlets use a different plug configuration, a 20 amp plug cannot be physically plugged into a 15 amp outlet.I'll use the term outlet as representing as duplex outlet with two sockets.Second, it depends how the outlet is wired. As shipped, most duplex outlets have the top and bottom sockets strapped together.In normal residential use, both sockets share the same power feed, and therefore only 15 or 20 amps total is available from that outlet.However, the strap from the sockets can be removed, and each socket could have its own separate power feed, resulting in a total of 15/20 amps per socket and 30/40 amps total per the entire outlet.So the answer depends on how that particular outlet is wired back to the breaker box. (note, there may be exceptions depending on the contruction of the outlet by its maker) Edit: I see my friend Walter responded while I was typing. Walter works with this everyday. OK Walter, did I screw up with my answer? If so, FIX IT ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aemnky Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 yes that is right. Also if you take the strap off a regular duplex you must use a double pole breaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-klb- Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 20A cords will not plug into 15A sockets. 15A plugs will plug into 20A sockets. A 20 A socket on one circuit can have 20A drawn on one of the plugs or any combination of the two. I use 20A GFCI's, which are not dividable, but have indicator lights right on them so I can tell if they have tripped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristmasDude Posted October 10, 2009 Author Share Posted October 10, 2009 Excellent, thanks for the info everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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