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re: So I just replaced all my 15A outlets with 20A...but realized most breakers are 15A
Posted on 2/5/18 at 11:05 am to CarRamrod
Posted on 2/5/18 at 11:05 am to CarRamrod
The breaker is intended to protect the wiring and components being serviced by the circuit. If you do not change the breakers, your wiring and plug will trip at 15 amps (lower than the outlet is rated for). Should not present a fire hazard
0
Posted on 2/5/18 at 11:05 am to CAD703X
as said in the last post on the first page, THE WIRING IS THE KEY. Even if you step up outlets and breakers, the wiring is probably not big enough to handle that current.
Posted on 2/5/18 at 11:15 am to Clames
quote:
If you have to sell your house and the inspector has even the slightest clue about the NEC, you'll get dinged for them. The chances of anyone actually plugging in a 20A appliance is small but the code is designed to prevent that from happening anyway. By putting in 20A receptacles you've created the potential since now it's possible to plug in a 20A appliance on your 15A branch circuits.
This ^^^^
Here is the NEC guide for breaker/receptacle amperage.
You can use 15 amp receptacles on 20 amp circuits, but not visa-versa.
Posted on 2/5/18 at 11:29 am to CAD703X
quote:
point of having a larger prong on one side of a plug?
Most of the time it doesn't matter but on a few devices it's better to keep the neutral/hot in the correct configuration.
One instance where it makes difference is a light socket.
The "screw" portion of the socket is the neutral conductor for the bulb and the brass contact at the bottom of the plug is the hot. This is so it's more difficult to get shocked when screwing in a bulb. If properly wired and you touch the aluminum "screw" area of the socket then no biggie. If the polarity was reversed and you touched the aluminum "hot" then you might get a shock.
Posted on 2/5/18 at 11:40 am to CAD703X
quote:
interesting. so what is the point of having a larger prong on one side of a plug?
Appliance design (double insulation, exposure of electrical contacts, etc). Basically ensures that if there is a fault then current goes anywhere but through you or in any easily reached electrical components exposed due to routine maintenance are on the neutral leg. Mechanical polarity versus actual electrical polarity, AC doesn't have a positive and negative side like DC circuits.
This post was edited on 2/5/18 at 11:42 am
Posted on 2/5/18 at 11:44 am to CAD703X
the breakers protect the wire, over-sized outlets won't hurt anything. Putting in a 20A breaker is not a good idea as the wire is probably not sized for 20A
Posted on 2/5/18 at 11:45 am to CAD703X
It won’t hurt anything. You don’t have to change them.
Don’t listen to them if you changed the breakers to 20 Amps you would have to change the wire.
15amp breakers 14 gauge wire
20 amp breakers 12 gauge wire
Don’t listen to them if you changed the breakers to 20 Amps you would have to change the wire.
15amp breakers 14 gauge wire
20 amp breakers 12 gauge wire
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