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In the US, normal circuits aren't always 20A, especially in residential buildings, where they are more commonly 15A in bedrooms and offices. https://en.wikiped

In the US, normal circuits aren't always 20A, especially in residential buildings, where they are more commonly 15A in bedrooms and offices. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector

hervature 2y ago
To clarify, the circuit is almost always 20A with 15A being used for lighting. However, the outlet itself is almost always 15A because you put multiple outlets on a single circuit. You are going to see very few 20A in outlets (which have a T shaped prong) in residential.
- badc0ffee 2y ago
  To clarify further, "20A" circuit just means a 20A breaker and suitable wire (12 AWG or larger).
theturtle32 2y ago
While technically true, the NEMA 5-15R receptacles are rated for use on 20A circuits, and circuits for receptacles are almost always 20A circuits, in modern construction at least. Older builds may not be, of course. That said, if your load is going to be a continuous load drawing 80% of the rated amperage, it really should be a NEMA 5-20 plug and receptacle, the one where one of the prongs is horizontal instead of vertical. Swapping out the receptacle for one that accepts a NEMA 5-20P plug is like $5. If you are going to actually run such a load on a 20A circuit with multiple receptacles, you will want to make sure you're not plugging anything substantial into any of the other receptacles on that circuit. A couple LED lights are fine. A microwave or kettle, not so much.
- andrewmcwatters 2y ago
  > and circuits for receptacles are almost always 20A circuits, in modern construction at least. This is not true. Standard builds (a majority) still use 15-amp circuits where 20-amp is not required by NEC.
  - bliteben 2y ago
    Yes, almost all post 2000 houses will have 20 amps in kitchen but in many areas the other circuits will be 15 amp.
Glide 2y ago
I would check your breaker box as well. If a hair dryer trips anything then… well yeah probably older construction.

hervature 2y ago

To clarify, the circuit is almost always 20A with 15A being used for lighting. However, the outlet itself is almost always 15A because you put multiple outlets on a single circuit. You are going to see very few 20A in outlets (which have a T shaped prong) in residential.

badc0ffee 2y ago
To clarify further, "20A" circuit just means a 20A breaker and suitable wire (12 AWG or larger).

theturtle32 2y ago

While technically true, the NEMA 5-15R receptacles are rated for use on 20A circuits, and circuits for receptacles are almost always 20A circuits, in modern construction at least. Older builds may not be, of course. That said, if your load is going to be a continuous load drawing 80% of the rated amperage, it really should be a NEMA 5-20 plug and receptacle, the one where one of the prongs is horizontal instead of vertical. Swapping out the receptacle for one that accepts a NEMA 5-20P plug is like $5. If you are going to actually run such a load on a 20A circuit with multiple receptacles, you will want to make sure you're not plugging anything substantial into any of the other receptacles on that circuit. A couple LED lights are fine. A microwave or kettle, not so much.

andrewmcwatters 2y ago
> and circuits for receptacles are almost always 20A circuits, in modern construction at least. This is not true. Standard builds (a majority) still use 15-amp circuits where 20-amp is not required by NEC.
- bliteben 2y ago
  Yes, almost all post 2000 houses will have 20 amps in kitchen but in many areas the other circuits will be 15 amp.

Glide 2y ago

I would check your breaker box as well. If a hair dryer trips anything then… well yeah probably older construction.