High Current Outlet for Amps?
gr8av4life I do not think the electrician will risk his license to install something violated the codeDon't be silly. Electricians don't risk their license for failing to meet code. They simply fail the inspection. |
hifiman5 @cleeds I guess the electrician who willingly installed that line in that outlet was violating code? The building inspector too? HmmmCodes vary by location; the NEC establishes only the minimum guidelines. If your inspector approved the install and you're comfortable with that, that's fine. If you don't see the possible hazard of putting a device rated at only 20A on a line capable of delivering 30A through it, then there's nothing further I can add. It's surely a risk I wouldn't and didn't take. Instead, I built several 30A lines, but used a 20A breaker on each. That's a common and perfectly acceptable practice. |
hifiman5 Dude...read what the quote above says...its a DRYER power receptacle. All you do is hook up 10 gauge wire to a 30 amp breaker to a regular power outlet and you are good to goWhat I showed you is a 30A outlet, which is commonly used for dryers, "dude." Putting a 30A breaker on a 30A line - but connected to a 20A receptacle, is a code violation, for the reasons I previously stated. It's a fire hazard. |
hifiman5 All I’m trying to convey is that the outlet for a 20A or 30A device is the same. The difference is in the gauge of the wire running off your electric service and amperage rating of the circuit breaker in your house’s electrical service boxNo, a 20A receptacle (device) does not have the same configuration as a 30A receptacle, just as the 20A receptacle differs from the 15A version. This is intended to prevent a 30 appliance from being plugged into a 20A line, which could result in overheating and fire. Here is a pic of a 20A receptacle Here is a 30A receptacle. Another difference is that a device rated for 30A should be capable of safely conducting 30A of current. There is no assurance that a 20A device can safely conduct 30A of current. If you use a 20A receptacle, it should be connected to no more than a 20A breaker. |
ptss. .. I had a local licensed electrician come to my home and measure current draw to my amp & preamp with my system powered up while i listened to rock and classical orchestral, with my approx 88 db efficiency speakers and 200 watt amp, at levels higher than I care to listen. His measuring device didn't exceed approx 3 amp draw. I used 10 gauge wire and a 20 amp fuse. I did not sense any problem. Is this unusual?Frankly, no, this is not especially unusual. A 3A draw does seem a little low, but perhaps your amplifier is especially efficient, such as a Class D design. |
hifiman5 The 20 amp receptacle is the same as the 30 amp one! No difference at all. You are just running 10 gauge wire connected to a 30 amp breaker in the service versus a 12 gauge wire connected to a 20 amp breaker.A 20A device on a 30A breaker doesn't meet my local codes and probably isn't consistent with NEC, either. |
