Forum Discussion
- CharlesinGAExplorerThere are no code limits on the number of receptacles per circuit in residential construction. Commercial uses 180VA per strap to determine the number of receptacles per circuit.
Code has always allowed 14 gauge provided it is properly protected. Many local code amendments do not allow it however. THHN is single wires used in conduit. Chicago and New York City require conduit, possibly a few others. Otherwise Non-metallic is allowed and is commonly used in RV's. Romex is a TM version of non-metallic, the TM being owned by Southwire of Carrollton, GA, who many years ago bought out Rome Wire and Cable of NY, and thus acquired the TM to Romex.
RV receptacles use wire punched into a slot and the metal crimped on the wire. Not a good connection. Functional for low draw items. A heater is better off with a quality commercial receptacle, back wire where the wire slides in and you tighten the screw to capture it with an internal pinch plate, is best, much easier and as secure or more so than wrapping around a screw. (no, I am NOT referring to the push in cheapie receptacles, which by code are limited to 14 gauge anyhow, NEVER use them) I have been thinking I might install a box and good receptacle (have lots of Hubbell commercial on hand) and use it for a heater. Heater I have is 800/1500 watt and I vowed to never use it on 1500 watt.
Charles - wa8yxmExplorer IIIThe claimed limit is 15 amps (120*15=1800 watts) But in practice I'd not trust them over 1,000... I used to plug 1500 watt space heaters into 'em. got Hot wire smell, and overload.. I can explain why (Bad design) so I added some HD outlets (15/20 amp) Fed with genuine 12 ga wire bent around a screw and TIGHTened instead of punched down in a slot like phone cable... Much better, No hot wires.
- MrWizardModeratorstill the same
12ga thnn 20amp circuit breaker usually about 6 outlets on the circuit
can't remember if the max number was 8 or 10 outlets - MEXICOWANDERERExplorerLittle old isolated me...
Code for residential structures used to be 12 AWG THHN
Has this changed?
Question deals with residential construction, not RV's.
Thank you - trail-explorerExplorer
TenOC wrote:
Look at the circuit beaker in the fuse box.
Actually you need to look in the "breaker panel" portion of the electrical center to find the breakers, not the fuse box. The fuse box will have the DC fuses. - trail-explorerExplorer
tenahou wrote:
I have 2012 open range 398 rls and I need to know wattage of wall sockets behind the chairs.
Circuit breakers that protect outlets and what not are rated in AMPS, not watts.
Look in your breaker panel for the breaker that protects those outlets. It's probably 15 amps. - MrWizardModeratorThose are 15 amp duplex sockets, and they use the cheap ones
Don't use anything larger than ONE portable electric heater per duplex and or circuit
Example it's cold and you want to use two heaters
They MUST BE on different outlets,, which are diffent circuits can NOT be on the same breaker - RoyBExplorer IIThe 15AMP 120VAC receptacle should look like this...
The 20AMP 120VAC Receptacle should look like this
NOTE the difference is one side has a different position connection.. This allows you to plug in a 20AMP polarized male plug. You also can can plug in a 15AMP standard plug...
This is for the two different rated receptacles. Your 120VAC Power Distribution Panel has to have the correct size circuit breaker if you want to use the 20AMP Circuit at its full rated power...
Roy Ken - TenOCNomadLook at the circuit beaker in the fuse box. I have two 15 amp and two 20 amp. The circuit breaker will trip before you overload the "outlet" since as stated above other items are probably on the same circuit.
I can run a 1,500 watt small heater without any problems on all (only one at a time) my circuits. - tvman44ExplorerPretty sure they are rated at 1800 watts, but I don't trust them that high.
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