Does the NEC...

[Randy Jones]

Does the NEC prohibit placing 15 amp receptacles on a 20 amp branch circuit
in residential construction? If so, can you cite the specific Code section
please?

 

[Randy Jones]

Thanks Greg.

No, as long as there is more than one.
210.21(B)(2)

 

[Randy Jones]

Thanks for the education. Given this information, I could argue that if I
special ordered a 20A branch circuit in one room of a house being built, I
could expect 20A receptacles.

 

[Randy Jones]

Or if the builder standard is "Decora" outlets and switches which cost about
4x the cost of standard (at Home Depot anyway).

 

[Blue Crown]

Thanks for the education. Given this information, I could argue that if I
special ordered a 20A branch circuit in one room of a house being built, I
could expect 20A receptacles.

The code is just the minimum requirements. Personally, I would run 1/2
" EMT with raintight connectors and metal boxes with raised covers.I
would put each receptacle on a dedicated 20 amp branch circuit, except
for the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom. I would use 30 amp/#10 THHN on
those.The last house I wired, I used four (4) electrical panels, each
with a 200 amp main.I have never had a breaker trip. Total cost for
the electrical in a the 1200 square foot house: $23, 468.57! Very
economical! I am presently experimenting with using GFCI receptacles
throughout the house, fed with Arc Fault breakers. I am determined to
conquer and eradicate anyone getting shocked, except for the price! If
you have to ask the price, you can't afford it! Have a nice day...

 

[Ben Miller]

for the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom. I would use 30 amp/#10 THHN on
those.

Larger wire is fine, but If your protective device is over 20A then this is
a code violation for circuits feeding 15A or 20A receptacles. And if you
limit the protective device, how do you insure that someone doesn't increase
it later, thinking that it is a 30A circuit with the #10 wire?

Ben Miller

 

[Blue Crown]

| The code is just the minimum requirements. Personally, I would run 1/2
| " EMT with raintight connectors and metal boxes with raised covers.I
| would put each receptacle on a dedicated 20 amp branch circuit, except
| for the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom. I would use 30 amp/#10 THHN on
| those.The last house I wired, I used four (4) electrical panels, each
| with a 200 amp main.I have never had a breaker trip. Total cost for
| the electrical in a the 1200 square foot house: $23, 468.57! Very
| economical! I am presently experimenting with using GFCI receptacles
| throughout the house, fed with Arc Fault breakers. I am determined to
| conquer and eradicate anyone getting shocked, except for the price! If
| you have to ask the price, you can't afford it! Have a nice day...

If you are really intent on eradicating electrical shock you might want
to consider attaching a motion detector to a shunt trip on the main.
Then when humans arrive, all potential of electrocution is removed.

Is there a master main breaker? If not, is the service drop rated for
800 amp service?

Have you tested those GFCI/AFCI breakers under strong radio fields to be
sure they don't trip due to the RF being sensed as current differential?
That's a scenario where the apparent fault would continue even after the
breaker contacts open, causing the trip solenoid to be continuously active,
burn out, and cause a fire. Of course if you have to ask the price, you
can't afford it.

Good idea on the motion detector! To answer your question # 1: Under
the NEC, you are allowed 6 main disconnects. I have used only four, so
I have the capability of adding 2 more! Might use them for HVAC,
etc...
I used a CT (current transformer) box, and let the power company worry
about the service drop rating. They can derate quite a bit. Looks like
they used #2. Funny looking as all git-out!
I am having a hard time getting any work right now. After I bid on
someone's house, they usually get someone to wire them for chicken
feed! Tight asses! Also, the electrical inspectors are questioning my
intelligence. What do they know, they are just ex-electrical
contractors who got lazy and looked for the easy way out. Next time
one of those pricks sticks me with a large gig sheet, I will hook up a
megger and zap their ass! lol! Can you believe the last thing I got
gigged on was having a smoke detector closer than 3 feet to the return
air vent. They need to get a life! If I find out that they are picking
on me, it will be WAR! Later...Blue Crown

 

[Randy Jones]

I wish inspectors would RE-READ NFPA 72 in particular section 11.8.3.5 (6)
which prohibits locating a smoke detector within 36" horizontal distance of
a SUPPLY register. Nowhere have I found NFPA 72 to prohibit installation
within 36" of a RETURN register.