Code Q&A

May 7, 2004
Q. Is a 125V duplex receptacle required to be rated 20A, when placed on a 20A circuit? A. The Code permits a 15A, 125V duplex receptacle on a 20A multioutlet branch circuit [210.21(B)(3)]. Primarily, because the maximum cord-connected load that can be placed on each 15A receptacle, is 12A in accordance with the plug configuration [210.21(B)(2)]. Still confused by the Code? Send your questions to Mike.

Q. Is it a violation of the Code to protect temporary lighting circuits with a GFCI? I’ve seen exposed temporary lighting wire (wire nuts fell off or were missing) touching metal studs, thereby presenting a potentially deadly work environment.

A. The NEC is silent on this issue, so this means it’s okay to GFCI-protect temporary lighting circuit conductors. However, to prevent a construction site from being placed in the dark by a ground fault, temporary lighting shall not be installed on the branch circuit that supplies receptacles [527.4(D)].

Note: Receptacles rated 15A or 20A, 125V used to supply temporary power for construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment, or similar activities shall be GFCI protected [527.6].

Still confused by the Code? Send your questions to Mike.



About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.

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