Yes, it is 'normal' but not correct. Standard outlets are a lot cheaper than 20A outlets and that is probably why it was done. Change the outlet to a 20A outlet.
Yes, this is normal. If there are more than one receptacle on the circuit you're fine.
You're good to go, though if the receptacle is in the garage, outside, or basement it should be on a circuit protected by a GFCI (the garage door shouldn't).
Sorry, but you're wrong. Use of 15A receptacles on a 20A circuit is explicitly permitted under the National Electrical Code. [2005 NEC, Article 210.21(B)(3) and accompanying table]
Well, that, and the facts that (a) it's Code-compliant, and (b) 20A receptacles probably were not necessary on that circuit.
Nonsense. There's no reason to change it, because there's nothing wrong with it.
Actually, to be precise, the *receptacle* should be a GFCI (or protected by one). There's no need, or requirement, for the entire circuit to have GFCI protection.
thanks for your reply now here is what i want to do.
I had mentioned that the 15 amp receptacle is the end of the line for
20 amp circuit in the garage. The wiring is 12 -2. The load on the 20 amp circuit is very min. Thus i would like to extend the wiring from the receptacle to install a light (120V with 2 120 Watt bulbs) which is controlled by a switch. Would the switch that i plan on installing need to be 20 amp or would
15 amp do. I don't mind paying extra for a 20 amp. Also i will be using 12-2 cable as it is 20 amp circuit.
Yes, that's what I meant to say. I made the point that the garage opener didn't need to be (shouldn't be) GFCI protected but can be on the same circuit.
Sorry, I thought the OP was in Northbrook, Il or one of the many other locales that require a 20A receptacle on a 20A circuit.
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Isn't a garage a likely place to have an appliance that draws more than
15amps but has a standard plug? Or is it safe to assume that the 15A outlet can handle more than 15 amps? My table saw has a standard 3 prong plug but draws more than 15 amps on start up, and possibly under heavy load. Other garage appliances like a bench grinder can also draw more than 15 amps for a longer period of time.
What is the reasoning for requiring a 20A receptacle on a 20A circuit if it is the only receptacle but allowing multiple 15A outlets on a single 20A circuit?
While 20A outlets may be required by various local codes, this is not a general requirement.
Any appliance that draws more than 15A as a continuous load will not have a "standard" (i.e. 15A) plug -- it will have a 20A plug.
For a short time, sure. Continuous load, no way.
Must be a heck of a bench grinder... And I'll bet that if you look at the owner's manual for your table saw, it recommends a 20A circuit.
I think the idea there is that the single receptacle implies a dedicated circuit, and if the circuit supplying a dedicated load is 20A then the receptacle should be also.
There should be no UL-listed appliance that draws more than 15 amps that has a plug-configuration that will fit in a 15A outlet. That's the whole point of the 20A plug configuration.
Standard three prong plug and after sitting overnight in a *cold* garage will pop a 15A breaker almost without fail.
My 6" craftsman bench grinder, cold, will do the same thing until it warms up. I'm guessing since the motor on the grinder is smaller it takes a lot longer to get up to speed than the big motor on the TS.
Except for 210.23(A)(1) Cord-and-Plug-Connected Equipment. The rating of any one cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating.
It is also certainly a continuous load since you smoke things all day
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