Member asks: Is a 15-amp receptacle on a 20-amp circuit a defect?

I like this guy’s explanation:

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That’s a good video because the information is correct which with YouTube your mileage may vary. One 15 amp duplex receptacle is permitted on a 20 amp branch circuit because a duplex is considered to be two receptacles.

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And, correct me if I’m wrong here, but the lugs of a 15 are listed to pass 20 amps to the next downstream device. It would be nice if the terminals had a separate listing rating printed on the device, along with maximum wire gauge!

Note: As long as the circuit is designed for multiple receptacles. The wiring and circuit breaker are rated for the full 20 amps.

Yes all 15 amp receptacles are designed to allow 20 amps to pass through when daisy chained together. Quite often the internal parts are the same in both 15 and 20 receptacles of the same manufacturers line, it’s just the face that’s different.

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