Wrong type receptacle

Electrical · Lights, Outlets and Switches · printed page 104 (PDF page 105)

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Book index entries

Electric Receptacle – Wrong Type Receptacle – Wrong Type of Electrical

Text in the illustration

120 volt, 15 amp receptacle accepts only 15 amp plugs
120 volt, 20 amp receptacle accepts only 20 amp plugs
120 volt, 20 amp receptacle accepts 15 and 20 amp plugs
20 amp receptacles shouldn't be installed on 15 amp circuits
when you see 20 amp receptacles, check that they are attached to 12 gauge wire

Generated explanation

The illustration compares three 120-volt duplex receptacles and their compatible plug blade configurations. The 15-amp receptacle has parallel vertical slots, while the dedicated 20-amp receptacle has one horizontal and one vertical slot. The third receptacle has a T-shaped slot that accepts both 15- and 20-amp plugs. All three receptacles show grounding openings, mounting straps, and side terminal screws. The annotations warn against installing 20-amp receptacles on 15-amp circuits and direct inspectors to check for 12-gauge wire when 20-amp receptacles are present.