15A outlets/switches on 20A circuit

[maurice53]

I have outlets on a number of 20A circuits (12/2 wire)- dining area, kitchen counter, den, garage- that appear to be rated 15A. Is this okay? Do wall switches need to be rated according to the circuit amps?

 

[JWelectric]

This is code compliant

If it was a single receptacle on a 20 amp circuit then it would be required to be rated at 20 amps but a duplex receptacle on a 20 amp circuit can be rated at 15 amps

 

[Sponsor]

 

[DonL]

Do wall switches need to be rated according to the circuit amps?

The wall switch needs to be rated above the load that they are switching, Not the Max circuit amps that the breaker can provide.

Have a great day.

DonL

 

[Jadnashua]

IOW, if the switch can turn the entire circuit off, it needs to be 20A, otherwise, as long as it is sized for the max load it can have, it is fine. Typically, that switch would turn a lamp on/off, and only if that load was the full value of the circuit or was dedicated to that single load, would it need to be a 20A switch.