Hubbell twist-lock connectors

From: Tothwolf <tothwolf_at_concentric.net>
Date: Tue Feb 12 18:17:32 2002

On Tue, 12 Feb 2002, r. 'bear' stricklin wrote:
> On Tue, 12 Feb 2002, Tothwolf wrote:
>
> > You won't find a 16A breaker in a branch circuit. You'd likely see a 15A
> > breaker (residential, probably 14Ga, maybe 12Ga wire), or a 20A breaker
> > (12Ga or 10Ga wire). A 15A circuit would not be safe at all, while a 20A
> > *might* be ok, but the system could still overload the receptacle and plug
> > since they are still only rated for 15A.
>
> Wait a minute, isn't the only physical difference between NEMA 5-15
> (110V, 15A) and 5-20 (110V, 20A) that one pin is rotated 90 degrees?
> In this case, since residential electrical code would mandate wiring
> capable of delivering 20A service on a circuit protected by a 20A
> breaker, wouldn't you say that the principle reason for NEMA 5-20
> existing be to prevent user error more than anything else?

Standard residential grade receptacles are only rated for 15A/120V use.
They are typically not as well made as the commercial grade 15A/20A
receptacles. I would not be too worried about a 20A or 15A breakered
circuit that used 12Ga wire and a commercial grade receptacle, but chances
are, you won't find that in someone's home. I think it's just easier to
use the proper 20A twist-lock connectors and receptacle and have a
dedicated 20A branch circuit.

-Toth
Received on Tue Feb 12 2002 - 18:17:32 GMT