What is a 20 amp outlet used for?

A 20 amp outlet, also known as a 20 amp receptacle, is an electrical outlet that is wired to a 20 amp electrical circuit and is designed to accept a 20 amp plug. 20 amp circuits and outlets provide more power than standard 15 amp circuits and are used for appliances and equipment that require high electrical loads.

Typical Uses of 20 Amp Outlets

Here are some of the most common uses and applications for 20 amp electrical outlets in both residential and commercial settings:

• Major kitchen appliances – Many large kitchen appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposals, and built-in ovens and cooktops require a 20 amp circuit and outlet.
• Laundry rooms – Electric dryers require a dedicated 20 amp circuit and outlet. Some washing machines also recommend a 20 amp outlet.
• Air conditioners – Central air conditioners and large window units usually need a dedicated 20 amp circuit and outlet.
• Electric heaters – Large portable space heaters will often require being plugged into a 20 amp outlet.
• Workshop tools – Many power tools like table saws, miter saws, jointers and some vacuums are recommended to be used with a 20 amp outlet.
• Garage door openers – Most garage door openers need to be plugged into a 20 amp outlet due to their high power draw.
• Outdoor equipment – Some outdoor equipment like pumps and lawn mowers may require 20 amps of power.
• High-wattage lighting – Large lighting installations like floodlights or rows of can lighting can potentially overload a 15 amp circuit and need a 20 amp outlet.
• Motors – Larger electric motors that power equipment may need to be wired into a 20 amp circuit.
• Commercial equipment – Retail stores, restaurants, and offices may have high-power equipment like cash registers, drink coolers, copiers, etc. that require 20 amp outlets.

circuit and outlet?

Here are some key reasons why certain appliances and equipment require the extra power capacity of a 20 amp circuit and outlet:

• Higher wattage – Many 20 amp appliances will pull more than 1800-2000 watts on startup or at times during operation, which would trip a standard 15 amp breaker.
• Safety factor – Having extra power capacity provides a safety buffer for motor-driven equipment like refrigerators and air conditioners that cycle on and off.
• Voltage drop – The voltage drop along a circuit is lower on a 20 amp breaker, helping maintain proper voltage for equipment.
• Code requirements – Electrical codes require specific equipment like dryers, major kitchen appliances and air conditioners to have dedicated 20 amp circuits.
• Manufacturer requirements – Most manufacturers of larger appliances, power tools and other equipment recommend or require a 20 amp outlet.
• Simultaneous loads – Having multiple high-wattage devices on one circuit can result in overload, so 20 amps provides more capacity.
• Continuous loads – Equipment like air conditioners and machinery have a continuous high power draw that necessitates a 20 amp circuit.
• Locations far from panel – 20 amp circuits help compensate for voltage drop from outlets located far away from the main electrical panel.

20 Amp Outlet Configurations

20 amp electrical outlets come in a few different configurations in terms of number of receptacles and orientation.

Single Outlet

The most basic style is a single 20 amp outlet, which contains just one receptacle. This is commonly used for individual circuits powering major appliances like a clothes dryer, or applications where only one equipment plug needs to be accommodated.

Duplex Outlet

Many 20 amp outlets are duplex style with two receptacles in one outlet housing. The two receptacles are together on the same 20 amp circuit. Duplex outlets allow connection of two devices like an air conditioner and a window fan.

Horizontally Oriented

Standard 20 amp outlets are oriented horizontally, with the receptacles one over the other like normal 15 amp outlets. This allows plugging in devices horizontally without cord bending.

Vertically Oriented

Some 20 amp outlets feature a vertical receptacle configuration better suited for large transformer plugs. The slots are aligned vertically rather than horizontally.

220V Outlets

For applications requiring very high power like electric vehicle charging, dryers, and machinery, there are special 20 amp outlets designed for 240-volt circuits rather than standard 120-volt. These feature a unique plug configuration.

Special Outlet Considerations

There are a few special factors to keep in mind when installing and using 20 amp electrical outlets:

• Dedicated circuit – Most codes require each 20 amp outlet to be wired on its own dedicated 20 amp breaker and circuit line. No other outlets can be on the same circuit.
• GFCI protection – Outlets near water sources like kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors must be GFCI outlets for safety.
• Tamper-resistant – Any outlets in locations where children can access them must use tamper-resistant receptacles.
• Matching plug – You must use a 20 amp rated plug with equipment that will connect to a 20 amp outlet.
• NEMA rating – 20 amp outlets feature a special NEMA 5-20R or NEMA 6-20R configuration to accommodate 20 amp plugs.
• Identifying color – Some electricians use orange outlets/wiring to identify 20 amp circuits.

Installing New 20 Amp Outlets

It’s highly recommended to have a licensed electrician install any new 20 amp electrical outlets. However, if you need to install a new 20 amp outlet here are some key steps:

1. Turn off power – Shut off electricity to the circuit at the main breaker panel.
2. Use thick 12 AWG wire – 20 amp circuits require 12 gauge wiring instead of 14 gauge for 15 amps.
3. Dedicated breaker – Connect the circuit wire to a new dedicated 20 amp breaker in the panel.
4. Outlets last – Outlets should be wired at the end of the circuit line, not branching off mid-run.
5. One outlet per circuit – Do not wire multiple outlets to the same 20 amp circuit.
6. Proper grounding – Ensure the outlet box and wire grounding is done correctly.
7. Match plugs – Use matching 20 amp plugs, not standard 15 amp plugs.
8. Test – Carefully test the new outlet for correct wiring before turning power back on.

Summary

In summary, 20 amp 120-volt outlets are designed for high power appliances and equipment that need more capacity than a 15 amp circuit can handle. Typical applications include major kitchen appliances, laundry equipment, air conditioners, power tools, outdoor gear, commercial equipment and items with large electric motors or high wattages. Correct wiring using 12 gauge wire, proper grounding, dedicated breakers, and matching plugs are critical for safety and proper operation.