What is a 20 Amp circuit ?




I have ran 3 dedicated lines in my house for the stereo from the panel. I have 200 amp service in the house. Are these lines 20 amp?

I am no electrician , so can you tell me what constitutes a 20 amp line.

Thanks
moonguy

Showing 2 responses by sufentanil

The 200 ampere service is the current capacity of the main box that services everything in your house. A 20 amp circuit is a branch from that box that has a 20 amp breaker and at least 12 gauge wire to carry that amount of current.

Most of the circuits in your kitchen and bathrooms should be 20 amp.

Michael
Jeff, actually a 20 amp outlet is NOT a requirement on a 20 A circuit (unless it's the only outlet on the circuit -- then it needs to be 20 A).

But I agree that for all practical purposes, if you're running a 20 amp circuit, you might as well be able to have items with a 20 amp plug be able to plug into it.

Michael