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Amperage?

I hve a breaker (switch) box in out apartment that has the single line switches marked as being 20 amps. The main breaker switch (the one that switches all of the lines at once) however is marked 15 amps. The wall outlets are 20amp Pro models made by Levitron (which I will be replacing as soon as I figure out if they should be 15 or 20 amp). My question is should I be using 15 amp power cords or 20 amp power cords, or, does it make a difference (my amps have 15 amp IEC connectors, I think), also what about the outlets themselves (15 or 20 amp)? I do not own or intend to own high power or current amps. I owm an SET and a Musical Fidelity 50 watt amp.
128x128dekay

Showing 2 responses by avguygeorge

avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Dekay,after rereading I want to add: Any 15 watt outlet has 2 vertical prongs. A 20 amp outlet has the same + the option to accept a cord plug that has one vertical and one horizontal prong. 30s are the twist lock/ 40's and 50s for stoves and dryers/AN upside down V and a large vertical blade at the bottom/ middle for the ground.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Dekay,sounds like you got a case for your city inspector to inspect.I know codes vary city to city. In LA an owner is required to pull a permit prior to undertaking/even installation of GFIs. / A service pannel?/you betcha.Once a permit has been pulled /inspection,upon completion of said work is required.I have the phone # you need;and a name to go with it/no menu maze. A standard wall ( 15 amps)receptacale is capable of 1875 watts.( this is why those hair dryers that draw 1500/1800 watts /combined with a light bulb, trip a breaker) The wire for a 20 amp circuit is the same, only the breaker is different. Records of any type of building permits, go back for many, many years.Even if your building is 50 years old they have the original blueprints, for sure.Electrical fires are a major concern;they'd be happy to come out to see what's what,and what was done without a permit.
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