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I JUST PURCHASED SOME 110 RECEPTACLES BUT I AM UNSURE IF I...

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Question by HOMER
Submitted on 3/24/2004
Related FAQ: N/A
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I JUST PURCHASED SOME 110 RECEPTACLES BUT I AM UNSURE IF I CAN USE THEM.THEY SAY 15A AND HAVE 14GA QUICK CONNECT TERMINALS AND 12GA SCREWS.IN MY CIRCUIT I HAVE A 20A GFI,AND  WOULD LIKE TO STRING A CHAIN OF OUTLETS OFF OF IT. IF I USE 12 GA WIRE AND ONLY USE THE SCREW TERMINALS ,IS IT LEGAL AND SAFE?  IT SEEMS AS IF ALL THE CHEAPER OUTLETS ARE THE SAME. I HAVE AN  OLDER CHEAPER PRICED OUTLET THAT IS MADE WITH QUICK CONNECTS FOR BOTH 14 AND 12 GA WIRE. NOW FOR 20 A CIRCUITS  MUST YOU ONLY USE SPECIAL OUTLETS?


Answer by tucker
Submitted on 1/11/2005
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20a outlets are very expensive and are only used in limited applications due to their increased capacity. Most houshold outlets will be rated for 15A, and would be supplied with 15A conductors,ckt breakers etc. These generally would not be delivering 15A as most devices consume less than that.
P=IE  120V x 15A = 1800Watts.
as for the screw/push hole deal, some electricians in a hurry, use the hole. I always use the screw as it is the best connection. The hole only touches the wire in one place and can overheat/disconnect.
12Ga wire is too stiff for any 15a outlet. try 14/16ga. This is for normal ac wiring.

A 20A outlet would have to be fed by 20aCkt breaker, 20A wire etc. $$ Hope this helps buddy. the 20a gfci can supply some parrelled
15a outlets. but if the outlets see 20a feeds to the gfci and fuse panel what is to stop them from using up to 20Amps? the 20a gfci could be for outdoor commercial work and shouldn't be used indoors w/regular 15a
outlets. hoping to help]]]]]]]]

 

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