Print this page Duplex Convenience Receptacles
David A. Snyder, P.E.
Course Outline
This 2 PDH course answers questions such as: May a 15A receptacle be installed on a 20A circuit? Will a GFI receptacle work on a non-grounded system? How many receptacles may be powered from a 20A branch circuit? Should a receptacle be installed with its ground pin up or down? Many illustrations are given to increase the reader’s understanding of the subject matter.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to
enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
The following learning objectives are included in this course:
- Visually identify 15A and 20A NEMA 5 receptacles;
- Visually identify 15A and 20A NEMA 5 plugs;
- Understand the concept of polarized two-wire plugs;
- Understand the function of GFI receptacles;
- Understand the concept of isolated ground receptacles;
- Become familiar with tamper-resistant receptacle requirements; and
- Become familiar with weather-resistant receptacle requirements.
Intended Audience
Anyone who is involved in the design, installation, and trouble-shooting of electrical systems will benefit from this course.
Benefit for Attendee
Upon successful completion of the course, the reader will have a thorough understanding of the specification and application of duplex convenience receptacles.
Course Introduction
Most of us plug something into a receptacle at least once a week, and many of us do so on a daily basis. Receptacles are so commonplace that they are often beneath our notice. The topic of duplex convenience receptacles might seem like an easy one, and it is, but there are many questions and misconceptions about these ubiquitous devices that will be addressed in this course. Some of those questions include: May a 15A receptacle be installed on a 20A branch circuit? May a 20A receptacle be installed on a 15A branch circuit? How many receptacles may be powered by a 20A branch circuit? How does a GFI receptacle work?
Course Content
The course content is in the following PDF file:
Duplex Convenience Receptacles
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right-clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader from your computer.
Course Summary
Duplex convenience receptacles are part of our everyday lives. This course explains the functions, limitations, National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, and acceptable installation practices for these indispensable devices.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
