This article was co-authored by Martin Hennum and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Martin Hennum is a Licensed Electrical Contractor and Owner of Peach Electric based in Sacramento, California. With over 10 years of experience, Martin and his team specialize in residential and commercial electrical work. They are knowledgeable about new technologies that help clients with future proofing so they save time and money. Martin is passionate about customer service, bringing the best information to clients, and prioritizing safety across projects.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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When it comes to electrical wiring, things can get a little confusing. Maybe you’re trying to replace an outlet in your bedroom, or maybe you’re redoing the wiring in your kitchen. Either way, you’re now standing in the hardware store, staring at a wall of outlets, and wondering what you should get. But today’s your lucky day because you’ve stumbled across the perfect article! We’ve got all the details on the 2 most common residential receptacles: 15 amp outlets and 20 amp outlets. So, what’s the difference between them, and can you replace them with one another? Read on to find out.
Things You Should Know
- 15A outlets are the most common in residential properties and power low-amp appliances like lamps, TVs, and fans.
- 20A outlets are generally found in kitchens and laundry rooms and power appliances that use lots of electricity, such as fridges and washing machines.
- A 15A outlet can replace a 20A outlet, but a 20A outlet cannot replace a 15A outlet without changing the outlet’s circuit.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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We’ve used the term “outlet” in this guide, but the terms “outlet” and “receptacle” can be used interchangeably.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about electrical maintenance, check out our in-depth interview with Martin Hennum.
References
- ↑ https://www.coynecollege.edu/commonly-used-electrical-outlets-types/
- ↑ https://www.coynecollege.edu/commonly-used-electrical-outlets-types/
- ↑ https://safeelectricity.org/ground-fault-circuit-interrupters-gfcis/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TSscp2DBVCQ?t=60
- ↑ https://youtu.be/XqV0WpcCFrQ?t=85
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TSscp2DBVCQ?t=7