Posted by Custom Product Works, Inc. on 9/17/2024 to
Task Lighting FAQ's
Background
Extensive safety protections have been implemented to protect against personal harm and property destruction due to electrical hazards. However, little of these protections are known to the average consumer, leaving uncertainty as to the correct installation of electrical devices such as receptacles. For the consumer, three organizations are providing their utmost efforts behind the scenes to maintain this protection: UL (Underwriter Laboratories), NEC (National Electrical Code), and NEMA ( National Electrical Manufacturers Association).
As a consumer, buying UL-listed products is your first choice to ensure that the correct items are being purchased. After that choice, a qualified licensed electrical contractor who understands and meets all building code requirements must present safe and proper installation. It has been our experience that, in many cases, the determination of whether to use a 15 amp or 20 amp receptacle is not understood by many. To be safe, the recommendation is to use a 20 amp receptacle. Below is a guide explaining how to make the correct choice. You will find that the 15 amp receptacle is the correct choice in other than exceptional cases.
Why select 15 amp Receptacles?
The circuit protection starts at the circuit breaker panel, which controls the maximum current allowed on the line. Municipalities follow the National Electrical Code to ensure proper wiring and circuit breakers are used. All Task COMPACT Angled Power Strips can have 15A or 20A receptacles, depending on the circuit breaker amps and correct wire gauge. Even though the circuit is rated at 20A, the 20A outlets are unnecessary unless a device plugged in requires a 20 amp circuit or only one single outlet in the receptacle on the 20A circuit. Device manufacturers are required to place a 20 amp plug on their device if it draws more than 15 amps.
NEC NEC 210.21(B)(1)
States: If you have only one receptacle on the 20-amp circuit breaker, it must be 20-amp rated.
NEC 210.21(B)(3)
States: If you have multiple 15-amp duplex receptacles on the circuit (like your house or an Angled Power Strip), then the 15-amp receptacles can be protected with a 20-amp circuit breaker, and 12 gauge wiring is used.
With this in mind, you can have a 15 or 20 amp outlet in the power strip. It is the total amperage drawn that is being used from the power strip, and if more is drawn like plugging in two toasters and a microwave, if the current exceeds the circuit breaker limit the circuit breaker will trip. This protects the power strip.
The deciding factor on which Angled Power Strip to use depends upon what appliance will be plugged into the strip and the styles preferred. If the appliances are 20 amp rated, they will have a 20 Amp plug
which plugs into a "T" 20 amp receptacle 
The common 15 Amp plug two-prong
plugs into a 15 receptacle 
without the "T" slot.With this known, the overriding factor is that the building department requirements in your area do not use the NEC as their inspection guide; however, this is very doubtful!
