Can I use 15 amp receptacles in my kitchen on a 20 amp breaker?

Question

I am remodeling my kitchen. The receptacles currently installed are 15 amps, but on a 20 amp breaker. Should I replace them with 20 amp receptacles or can I keep the 15 amp receptacles?

Answer 1

you can use a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 AMP circuit provided you have no less than three 15 AMP devices on the circuit.

In other words, if you have several other things on that single circuit, you can use a 15 AMP receptacle just fine, however if you only have two outlets on that run, they would have to be 20 AMP receptacles each.

Answer 2

this depends on the number of outlets that are connected to this breaker...the breaker size normally has nothing to do with the outlet size except on dedicated circuits....normally most items pluged into a outlet will not equal 15 amps.... but the total load of everything plugged into four or five 15 amp outlets might be close to twenty amps...this is why you have a twenty amp breaker with #12 wire suppling power to more than one 15 amp outlet

Answer 3

.Code requires that a circuit must be fused in accordance with the smallest,r lowest rated item in the circuit..In other words, if the smallest rated part, connector, wire, outlet, switch is rated at 15 amp. then the fuse (breaker) must be 15 Amp...... Less but never more...Counter top outlets, I believe, must be 20 Amp..

Answer 4

yes table 210.21(b)(3) in the national electric code book.

the 20 A outlet will last a lot longer the gripping force is stronger because of the heavier contacts inside.

I have good results with the leviton brand

Answer 5

Replace them with 20amp receptacles, or replace the 20amp breaker with a 15 amp breaker.

Answer 6

No need to replace them.

Answer 7

naw keep um your fine

Answer 8

Yes you can.