15 amp switch on a 20 amp circuit breaker

[Eric and Megan Swope]

Hi everyone. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These
light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage,
dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light
switches?

Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this
alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as
well, is that alright? Thanks for any help.

 

[SQLit]

Hi everyone. I have 15 amp rated light switches on a 20 amp circuit. These
light switches in most cases control overhead lights (in a kitchen, garage,
dining room). Is this alright, or do I need to use 20 amp rated light
switches?

Also, on a 20 amp circuit, I have 15 amp rated electrical outlets? Is this
alright? Some of these outlets are controlled by a 15 amp light switch as
well, is that alright? Thanks for any help.

Happens every day in residential. .

There is a section in the NEC to allow this in residential.

Usually the switch controls less than the circuit ampsity so there is little
danger.

 

[Ryan Evans]

Perfectly allright.

Happens every day in residential. .

There is a section in the NEC to allow this in residential.

Usually the switch controls less than the circuit ampsity so there is little
danger.

 

[Bud]

You are not supposed to run more than 15 amps full load on a
20 amp circuit continuous, the 20 amps is a peak,
intermittent rating...but thats not controllable...so they NEC
does the best it can with regulations in a real world.

Actually 80% = 16A. (Continuous is over 3 hours; 20A for the first 3
hours is OK. Fuses and thermal trip circuit breakers can trip at a 20A
load over 3 hours.)

20 amp recepticles will last longer in use near the 15 amp
range than lighter ones...but in most cases thats not a big
usue.. loads over 12 amps or so on a 110 receptical are
rear..my skill saw only draws 12 at full load.
.

Also could use "Spec Grade" receptacles.

Bud--