15 amp and 20 amp circuits in same box

[LHO]

I have added a partition wall in an existing space (next to kitchen). I will be adding one outlet extending the existing 20 amp circuit. Also, I want to have one of these outlets switched with the overhead light circuit. I am wondering if there is a problem with cutting the "hot" tab on the side of the receptacle and having the top outlet switched 15 amp, the bottom 20 amp? My concern would be if someone plugged in a surge protector (like below) or other device that gangs the upper and lower outlets. (I don't plan to do this here, but I use two such devices in other rooms.) If the two circuits are on opposite sides of the phase it could get ugly if one of these is plugged in.

[jwelectric]

But nothing would be wrong with installing a second receptacle on the 15 amp circuit right beside or above or below the 20 amp circuit.

If you split one receptacle then there is some other issues other than the one you posted that would need to be addressed so do as I suggested for simplicity

[LHO]

I could put two duplex recepticals -- I presume that I can put them in the same box (yes, I know, connect all neutrals and grounds).

[jwelectric]

connect all grounds yes

each neutral goes with its own circuit so do not connect all neutrals

[LHO]

connect all grounds yes

each neutral goes with its own circuit so do not connect all neutrals

Just so I understand -- Are the neutrals not connected because of the different amperage of the circuits? I ask this because several of the switch boxes have switches from different 15 amp circuits. In this case the neutrals are all connected.

[ActionDave]

Just so I understand -- Are the neutrals not connected because of the different amperage of the circuits? I ask this because several of the switch boxes have switches from different 15 amp circuits. In this case the neutrals are all connected.

The neutrals from different circuits should not intermingle. The current that leaves the panel on circuit A should return on wiring associated with circuit A only, not circuit B or C or any other.

[leejosepho]

... having the top outlet switched 15 amp, the bottom 20 amp?

As I understand things, either would still only be a 15A outlet as far as its actual rating is concerned unless the outlet was specifically configured/designed/engineered for 20A (with one horizontal blade, I think) in the first place. In other words, multiple 15A outlets are typically used in 20A circuits.

My concern would be if someone plugged in a surge protector (like below) or other device that gangs the upper and lower outlets.

I have never seen one of those multipliers ever gang the uppers and lowers together (although that might not be true of an actual surge-protecting multiplier). In fact, I occasionally use one of them on the end of an extension cord and have never found the unused blades on the back energized. So then, the upper and lower parts of the multiplier would still act just like their places of actual connection whether or not the upper and lower were separated at the wall receptacle.

[LHO]

As I understand things, either would still only be a 15A outlet as far as its actual rating is concerned unless the outlet was specifically configured/designed/engineered for 20A (with one horizontal blade, I think) in the first place. In other words, multiple 15A outlets are typically used in 20A circuits.


I have never seen one of those multipliers ever gang the uppers and lowers together (although that might not be true of an actual surge-protecting multiplier). In fact, I occasionally use one of them on the end of an extension cord and have never found the unused blades on the back energized. So then, the upper and lower parts of the multiplier would still act just like their places of actual connection whether or not the upper and lower were separated at the wall receptacle.

It's not the outlet that would be 20 amp, it's the circuit and of course, the 20 amp circuit has #12 wire.

I did get out a multiplier and a surge protector multiplier. You are right the top and bottom blades are not connected.