Amping up Your Knowledge: The Battle of 15 Amp vs. 20 Amp Outlets

Choosing between seemingly identical yet starkly different electrical fixtures can be quite challenging.

Consider a 15 amp and a 20 amp power strip, for instance. Although strikingly similar at first glance, these electrical attachments differ in numerous ways. It’s imperative to know which cable is suitable under what circumstances before you hit the electrical store. That will ensure you purchase the correct power strip and avert any electrical malfunctions that could result from using an improper receptacle.

If you’ve been wondering if 15 amp outlets differ from 20 amp ones, this article is for you. Read below as we explore those differences.

Differences Between 15 Amp and 20 Amp Outlets

1. Appearance

15 amp and 20 amp power outlets may look identical at first glance. However, a closer inspection reveals significant physical differences between the two receptacles.

15 amp outlets resemble the ones you commonly interact with in your home or at the office. These receptacles are designed with two vertical and one roundish slot, giving them the appearance of a human face. They differ from their 20 amp counterparts, which feature a T prong.

The T prong in 20 amp outlets is due to one of their vertical slots being slightly tilted. This tilted slot creates what appears like a sideways T, resembling a winking face.

The T prong design in 20 amp outlets allows them to firmly secure any connected cable. As for 15 amp receptacles, you’re better off using them with a right angle power strip. Such power strips snugly hug the outlets they’re plugged into, preventing them from coming loose.

2. Gauge Ratings

Gauge refers to the diameter or thickness of electrical cables. It denotes the cross-section area of the conductor wires and not the insulation jacket.

A 15 amp outlet generally requires a 14 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire. That’s in contrast to a 20 amp power strip that works best with a 12 or 10 AWG cable.

The general rule is that higher-gauge wires require lower amps.

Note that a higher gauge translates to lower current handling abilities. So, while the number 14 is greater than 12, 12 AWG cables handle current more effectively than 14 gauge ones.

3. Application

15 amp outlets are commonly used in residential areas and workplaces. The receptacles are suitable for appliances that consume power up to 1,800 Watts. Examples include lamps, chargers, fans, televisions, home theaters, computers, and small power tools.

A 20 amp receptacle works best with heavy-duty cables. The outlet can power appliances rated for up to 2,400 Watts. Noteworthy examples include refrigerators, ovens, toasters, blenders, and washing machines.

So, in a typical residential home, you will likely find 20 amp outlets in the kitchen and laundry and 15 amp receptacles in other rooms.

However, conventional wisdom is to draw only 80% of the power an electrical receptacle can handle. Maxing out a receptacle’s amp rating is one of the common mistakes while using power strips.

Therefore, a 15 amp outlet is safer when used with appliances that draw up to 1,440 Watts. On the other hand, 20 amp receptacles will serve you best if used with appliances rated up to 1,920 Watts.

4. Occurrence

15 amp outlets are found in most homes and offices, making them more common than their 20 amp cousins.

When used to power computer devices, 15 amp receptacles work best with C13 plugs.

A C13 plug is a cord designed primarily for connecting computers. It’s the most common cable you’ll find behind computer devices.

20 amp outlets are also found in homes and some workplaces. However, their occurrence is usually restricted to kitchens and laundry areas.

5. Compatibility with Circuit Breakers

Choosing the correct circuit breaker is critical to properly handling electrical equipment. So, it’s essential to understand the type of circuit breakers you can use with 15 amp and 20 amp outlets.

120 V 15 Amp and 120 V 20 Amp are the most popular circuit breaker types in residential areas.

You can safely use a 20 Amp circuit breaker with a 20 amp and 15 amp outlet. However, a 15-amp breaker can only support a 15-amp receptacle.

It’s also important to consider the number of outlets you can use concurrently, especially if your property is fitted with duplex-style receptacles.

A 20-amp duplex receptacle can safely handle two 20-amp and two 15-amp plugs. Alternatively, the same receptacle can safely power one each of the 15 and 20-amp plugs.

6. Versatility

Electrical outlets don’t come cheap. So, when shopping for these components, you naturally want those that can adapt to different conditions.

15 amp receptacles can replace their 20 amp counterparts but not vice versa. You'd need to change the outlet's circuit to replace a 20 amp outlet with a 15 amp receptacle.

However, it’s great to know that both receptacles work exceptionally well with flat-cord power strips.

A flat cord power strip looks exactly like the name implies. These cords offer additional sockets, allowing you to connect multiple electronic appliances simultaneously.

Which Outlet Is Best For You?

Both a 15 amp and 20 amp power receptacle can serve your needs in specific situations. Deciding between the two outlets depends primarily on the amperage and wattage rating of the appliances you intend to use them with.

Consider a 20 amp outlet for power-hungry devices and a 15 amp one for lighter-duty electrical devices.