Kitchen outlets

[Lee Wootten]

I performed an inspection in a new home in Maryland. The kitchen outlet circuits had a 20 AMP Square D breaker, 12/2 wiring and 15 AMP outlets. The circuits did have GFCI outlets within six feet of the sink area. In my report I wrote that the outlets must be 20 AMP.

The electrician stated that his installation complied with the NEC. I do not have a copy of the NEC book.

How can this be safe with the weakest link in the circuit being the outlet. I thought that NEC required 20 AMP breakers, 12/2 wiring, GFCI protection and 20 AMP outlets in new construction kitckens.

[Robert Meier]

A 15 amp duplex receptacle is permitted on a 20 amp circuit. The electrician is correct. And GFCI protection is required for all receptacles serving the countertop not just those within 6' of the sink. Look at 210.24 in the 2008 NEC.

[Jim Port]

Sorry Lee, but you were incorrect on this. As RM said, the GFI protection is for all receptacles serving the countertops, not just within 6'.

A 15 amp receptacle is rated for twenty amp feed-thru. In fact the only difference is the 20 amp has the different slot configuration.

The only time the receptacle would need to be 20 amp would be if it were the only spot to plug in on the circuit. A standard duplex receptacle counts as two places.

BTW, when was the last time you saw something that had a 20 amp cordcap?

[Robert Meier]

I see that you don't have the NEC. You can view it online here:

http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/Ab...&EditionID=238

[Robert Meier]

Yes, two or more 15 amp receptacles on a 20 amp circuit is permitted. A duplex receptacle is considered two receptacles. Here's the relevant info/table from the NEC:

210.21 Outlet Devices.
Outlet devices shall have an ampere rating that is not less than the load to be served and shall comply with 210.21(A) and (B).
(B) Receptacles.
(1) Single Receptacle on an Individual Branch Circuit. A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an ampere rating not less than that of the branch circuit.
Exception No. 1: A receptacle installed in accordance with 430.81(B).
Exception No. 2: A receptacle installed exclusively for the use of a cord-and-plug-connected arc welder shall be permitted to have an ampere rating not less than the minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity determined by 630.11(A) for arc welders.
FPN: See the definition of receptacle in Article 100.

(3) Receptacle Ratings. Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, receptacle ratings shall conform to the values listed in Table 210.21(B)(3), or where larger than 50 amperes, the receptacle rating shall not be less than the branch-circuit rating.
Exception No. 1: Receptacles for one or more cord-and-plug-connected arc welders shall be permitted to have ampere ratings not less than the minimum branch-circuit conductor ampacity permitted by 630.11(A) or (B) as applicable for arc welders.
Exception No. 2: The ampere rating of a receptacle installed for electric discharge lighting shall be permitted to be based on 410.62(C).