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dave_mn_gw

settle an argument...code

dave_mn
11 years ago

In a garage, if the outlets are wired with 12 gauge wire and protected by a 20 amp breaker....do the receptacles on the circuit need to be 20 amp OR can they be 15 amp?
Thanks

Comments (8)

  • brickeyee
    11 years ago

    15 amp receptacles are allowed on 20 amp circuits as long as there is more than one receptacle.

    A single duplex receptacle is allowed.

    The feed throuhg on the side of the 15 A receptacle is sized for 20 amps.

  • greg_2010
    11 years ago

    If there is more than one outlet (and even a regular duplex counts as two) then 15 amp receptacles are fine.

  • btharmy
    11 years ago

    They can be 15a as long as there is more than one receptacle. A single receptacle will not fly but one or more duplex receptacles is fine. 2008 NEC 210.21(B)(1)

    This post was edited by btharmy on Wed, Jan 2, 13 at 14:19

  • btharmy
    11 years ago

    Don't forget, they need to be GFCI protected.

  • Ron Natalie
    11 years ago

    If the garage is at or below grade level...

  • btharmy
    11 years ago

    ronnatalie said "If the garage is at or below grade level..."

    Receptacles in garages are required to have GFCI protection. 210.8(A)(2)

    The requirement is for Garages, and also accessory buildings that are below grade (in addition to garages). Not garages and accessory buildings that are below grade. The key is the comma and the word "also". It changes the context of the sentence. Anything after the comma is in addition to the rule for garages, which is to have GFCI protection for all 120v receptacles.

  • bus_driver
    11 years ago

    And to be sure that it is not considered a Hazardous Class, keep all premises wiring electrical devices at least 18" above the floor.

  • Ron Natalie
    11 years ago

    btharmy is correct, I somehow had that misinterpretted in my memory. It should also be remembered that in the 2008 requirements the "not readily accessible" and garage door opener exceptions were removed.