If the wire is 12-2 can I put a 15amp outlet there or should it be 20amps strictly?

Question

Please give me details and explain why. I know about breakers, just want to know about the relationship between wire-outlet. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Per the National Electric Code, Table 210.21 (B)(3): Circuit rating = 20 amps. Permitted receptacle rating: 15 or 20 amps.

Why: The circuit breaker protects the circuit components (wiring, switches, recptacles, etc.). A 20-amp branch circuit is wired with 12AWG (American Wire Gauge) copper wire. A 20 amp plug connected cord will not fit in a 15-amp receptacle, so the point of overloading the receptacle is moot.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

A #12 wire will more than adequately support a 15 amp outlet. A #14 wire is usually used for 15 amp circuits, so the larger wire is just fine. But make sure you change the breaker to a 15 amp one!

Answer 3

Yes, you can safely do that. The breaker MUST be 15 amps or it will NOT be safe.

What you are talking about is sometimes done to reduce the voltage loss of a circuit. It is common for long runs of wire. It is less common, but possible, in regular or short runs. It costs more, it is more work , and it is not required. Because of that, it is not often done. It is actually a better way of doing it though.

What you needed to know is the relationship of the wire, the outlet, AND the breaker. They are all important in this discussion.

Answer 4

you can always go to lower amp breaker the thicker the wire the more amperage it can carry the circuit breaker limits the amount of current allowed to go through the wire so the wire will not over heat if a 15 amp breaker would protect a 14 gage wire from overheating it would certainly protect a 12 gage wire from overheating

Answer 5

Yes, you can put a 15 amp breaker there. 20 amps is what the wire can safely handle without overheating.

Answer 6

Is everybody crazy change the outlet to 20amps or to whatever your breaker rating is.It doesn't matter ....wow!