A branch circuit rated at 20 amps supplies more than 2 duplex receptacles. What is the minimum rated duplex receptacle permitted to be connected to this circuit?

A branch circuit rated at 20 amps supplies more than 2 duplex receptacles. What is the minimum rated duplex receptacle permitted to be connected to this circuit?

• A. 20 A
• B. 15 A
• C. 25 A
• D. 30 A

Answer: (B)

On a 20-amp branch circuit that serves more than two receptacles, the outlets must be rated at least 15 amps. That’s because 15-amp receptacles are compatible with 20-amp circuits (a 15A plug fits into a 20A receptacle), and the code allows using 15A or 20A receptacles on such a circuit. The other choices aren’t standard ratings for duplex receptacles, and while a 20A receptacle can be used, the minimum permissible rating is 15A. So the lowest rating you could use on this setup is a 15-amp duplex receptacle.

On a 20-amp branch circuit that serves more than two receptacles, the outlets must be rated at least 15 amps. That’s because 15-amp receptacles are compatible with 20-amp circuits (a 15A plug fits into a 20A receptacle), and the code allows using 15A or 20A receptacles on such a circuit. The other choices aren’t standard ratings for duplex receptacles, and while a 20A receptacle can be used, the minimum permissible rating is 15A. So the lowest rating you could use on this setup is a 15-amp duplex receptacle.