Difference Between 20 amp vs 15 amp Receptacles!

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[TimothySchlueter]

Note on the 20 amp outlet: there is significantly wider width of material, and so the 20 amp DOES have a significantly larger cross-section of conductor. So, YES, there IS a difference! Be careful to consider ALL aspects of designs.

[carlodonnell]

You just answered a question that I have been asking for a very long time which is how many 20A recepts can be used on a 20A amp circuit? NO MORE THAN TWO? is what you said right? doe that mean that it would be safe to use in two 20A devices at the same time. I would like to learn more about bigger circuits like 30A and multiple receps. 20A 15A etc.

[vjqzbrl]

Excellent video and fascinating how just the T slot is essentially different

[АгронДепартье]

Can you buy these metal elements separately ?

[wmcomprev]

In the USA, code allows 15 amp receptacles to be put on 20 amp circuits as long as there is more than one receptacle on the circuit. A single double receptacle, like the ones you had in this video, qualifies as the "more than one." (And, of course, it's only allowed as long as you aren't trying to plug in an appliance that requires the 20 amp receptacle (i.e. with the crossed plug.)) There are also restrictions for circuits that will have a "continuous load" on them. So, if your running a continuous load, you're not allowed to max out the circuit.

[lufknuht]

It is good what you did, but you should have measured 1) resistance & 2) heat: use the same plugs & measure the
resistance across a bottom slot input & output at top, also bottom screw to top screw. See if the resistance is the same. My guess is that a 15 amp receptacle is quite capable of handling 20 amps without generating significant heat. Measure that also. Run 20 amps through both receptacles in identical enclosed environment & measure the heat. My guess is that physically & electrically the only difference between the 15 amp & 20 amp receptacles are the horizontal slots designed to prevent you from attaching a 20 amp appliance to a circuit with #14 wire in the walls & a 15 amp breaker at the box. But I have not done the tests -- this is just my guess; so don't anybody rely on my guesses.

[surferdude]

Excellent information, I've taken some apart also and seen others do that and the conclusion is the same as yours. There's no significant difference as long as they are the same grade. I think the disagreements come from those comparing residential grade with commercial grade. In the US, 15 amp receptacles are permitted on 20 amp circuits as long as they are duplex receptacles. In most newer homes you won't find any 20 receptacles, even in kitchens and bathrooms. You may find some, and it's done for identification of a 20 amp circuit, local code requirements, or myth. BT W, this also applies to GFCI receptacles which are at minimum, commercial grade.

[carlodonnell]

Yes I am surprised because I thought that the gauge determined the resistance just like it does with the wire gauge. And I thought that the reason why a 20A recep has a horizontal pin is that the horizontal pin would be a thicker gauge but sice the 20A flows through both sides, then I suppose both sides would have to be a thicker gauge; many questions come to mind when you start digging into things like why is the horizontal pin on the neutral side of the recept.

[АгронДепартье]

You seem wrong as the left one has quite longer contact - it is not only the short contact that matters - the other side matters as well. Plus it act as heat radiator as well. Agree ?

[alibatulis]

Odd question hoping you can answer.. Can a 15AMP extension cable be plugged into a 20AMP wall outlet? And vice versa can a 20AMP extension cable be plugged into a 15AMP wall outlet and still be used safely?

[ravtowson]

The different design shape is also tell 15 vs 20 from outside

[АгронДепартье]

Commercial customers are much smarter and better equipped to find all the information - there is no way they would be paying more for “the same” stuff.

[TimothySchlueter]

You are not addressing the actual fact that the WIDTH of the rest of the structure is wider on the 20 amp as opposed to the 15 amp. Your mis-information could get someone killed, from fire. Please do a more thorough job when inspecting items and posting publicly.