What is the minimum ampere rating required for a duplex receptacle installed on a 20-ampere branch circuit?

The minimum ampere rating required for a duplex receptacle installed on a 20-ampere branch circuit is indeed 15 amperes. This is based on National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which state that receptacles installed on a branch circuit are generally rated for up to the branch circuit's rating, but must also meet minimum ampacity requirements.

A duplex receptacle rated at 15 amperes is suitable for installation on a 20-ampere circuit because it is designed to handle the load safely, assuming that the load on that circuit does not exceed the capacity of the receptacle itself. If you were to install a receptacle rated lower than 15 amperes, you would risk overloading the receptacle and creating a safety hazard. Furthermore, receptacles rated for 20 amperes can be used in applications where there is a likelihood of plugging in devices that may draw larger currents, but they must be rated appropriately.

Choosing a receptacle rated at 15 amperes when it is installed on a 20-ampere circuit ensures both compliance with electrical standards and safety in operation, allowing for a variety of devices to be plugged in without exceeding the ratings. This context emphasizes the importance of adhering to both minimum ratings and the