The Number of 15 Amp Outlets on A 20 Amp Circuit to Use!

After learning how to tell if outlet is 15 or 20 amps, you could be looking for the number of 15-amp outlets that can be used on a 20-amp circuit. 

To make things clearer, we will be diving into NEC aka National Electric Code as this is where you can get the right information. Once you know how many watts can an outlet handle then the number of outlets can be decided. 

Before using 15-amp outlets on a 20-amp circuit, it’s better to check them carefully if they hold breaker. Don’t forget to read out ‘can one bad outlet affect others’ just to make sure you avoid any risks of electrical fire. 

About the number of outlets, you won’t mind a few minutes to know how many 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit. Are You Ready!

Exactly How Many 15 Amp Outlets On A 20 Amp Circuit:

Basically, you can use two 15-amp outlets or a duplex one on a 20-amp circuit. And if considering the connected device drawing power, the decision will be different.

Before I get a bit deeper, it’s better to have a good knowledge of the NEC statement, known as one of the best professional electricians.

They state to use outlets on a 20 amps circuit based on an 80% load rule. And based on that, it is suggested to use 1.5 amps per outlet to know how many can be used. If calculated, the answer will be 10 outlets.

Yet, this rule doesn’t work when talking about a 15-amp outlet to fit into the outlet as you have calculated the max load amperage (15A x 80% = 12 amps) and real wattage (12A x 120v = 1440W).   

If you are thinking ‘how many 15 amp outlets can I put on a 20 amp circuit’, there’s no limit on using the receptacles. Also, it’s allowed to use 2 15-amp outlets or one duplex on the 20-amp circuit line.

So, what happens if you use a 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit? The answer lies in these 2 important factors which are:

1. The device or machine (which you will plug into a 15 amp outlet on a 20-amp circuit) draws power.
2. The 20-amp circuit is designed for both 15 and 20 amps outlets. And, you are allowed to use one 20-amp outlet, on the other hand, the multiple 15-amp outlets on it.

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. How far apart should outlets be?

It’s best to keep outlets 5.5 feet apart from each other based on the room. Based on the 2020 NEC (Section 210.52), you can add an electrical circuit in every room including the living room, kitchen, drawing room, and so on. 

2. How many watts can I run on a 20 amp circuit?

According to the NEC, it is suggested to load 80% of the rated wattage. And so, you can (16 amps x 120v) 1920 wattages on the 20-amp circuit.

3. What happens if you put a 20 amp outlet on a 15 amp circuit?

If you do the opposite by putting a 20-amp outlet on a 15-amp circuit, nothing will happen unless the device that’s being attached draw more power. Otherwise, the circuit breaker will be damaged.

Wrapping Up

And, now you know how many 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit can be used after reading this guide. It’s a crucial topic that needs a proper idea before using outlets on the circuit line for ensuring safe application of a device. I hope this article was handy enough for you.

Now, go ahead and set all the outlets on your house circuit line without facing electrical fires or explosions. Time to leave, I’ll be back with a new topic soon. Goodbye!