NEC: Outlet Rating on 20A Breaker? Current Per Outlet?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the National Electrical Code (NEC) regarding the rating of outlets connected to a 20A breaker. Participants explore whether outlets must be rated for 20A or if lower-rated outlets are permissible, as well as the implications of the number of outlets on the current rating per outlet.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if all outlets on a 20A breaker need to be rated for 20A or if lower ratings are acceptable.
  • Another participant cites that the NEC permits receptacles rated at 15A when multiple receptacles are on a 20A branch circuit.
  • A suggestion is made to refer to NEC 210.21(B)(2) for more information.
  • Additional resources are shared to provide further context on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be some agreement that lower-rated outlets may be acceptable, but the discussion includes differing interpretations and the need for clarification from the NEC.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific sections of the NEC and external articles, indicating a reliance on these sources for clarity, but the exact interpretations and applications remain unresolved.

EM_Guy
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If you have multiple outlets connected to the same 20A breaker, do the outlets need to be rated for 20 A? Or, is it acceptable to have the outlets rated somewhat lower? Where can I find this information in the NEC? If I do not need each outlet to be rated for 20 A, then is the current rating a function of the number of outlets connected to the breaker? If so, what is current rating per outlet as a function of the number of outlets on a single 20 A breaker?
 
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