1. North Carolina Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal
Risk Management
State Electrical Division
2017 State Electrical Code
210.21(B)(3) - 15 Amp Duplex Receptacles on 20 Amp Circuits

2. Notice:
The following illustrations are approved by the State Electrical Division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshal. These illustrations are intended to demonstrate but not supersede the official written interpretations found at the following web address:
Joseph Starling
Chief State Electrical Engineer & Inspector
Illustrated by:
Danny Thomas
State Electrical Inspector

3. Date: June 12, 2018
2017 Electrical Code
Subject: 15 Amp Receptacles on 20 Amp Circuits
Section (B)(3)
Question:
Is a duplex receptacle considered one receptacle or two? May a duplex receptacle be installed on a 20-ampere circuit if the receptacle is rated at a maximum of 15 amperes?

4. Date: June 12, 2018
2017 Electrical Code
Subject: 15 Amp Receptacles on 20 Amp Circuits
Section (B)(3)
Answer:
A duplex receptacle is two receptacles and is not a single receptacle. Therefore, the rules that apply to single outlet(s) on individual branch circuits do not apply. A 15 ampere duplex receptacle may be installed on an individual branch circuit rated at 20 amperes per Table (B)(3)

5. Two Contact Devices on Yoke Single Contact Device on Yoke
Date: June 12, 2018
2017 Electrical Code
Subject: 15 Amp Receptacles on 20 Amp Circuits
Section (B)(3)
Receptacle. A contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug, or for the direct connection of electrical utilization equipment designed to mate with the corresponding device. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke. (CMP-18)
Single Receptacle
Duplex Receptacle
Two Contact Devices on Yoke
Single Contact Device on Yoke

6. Date: June 12, 2018
2017 Electrical Code
Subject: 15 Amp Receptacles on 20 Amp Circuits
Section (B)(3)
210.21(B)
(3) Receptacle Ratings. Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, receptacle ratings shall conform to the values listed in Table (B)(3), or, where rated higher than 50 amperes, the receptacle rating shall not be less than the branch-circuit rating.