20 Amp Workshop Circuit

[Mr Fixit eh]

I don't have a code book, but my Knight's summary says that you cannot wire 20A receptacles except in the kitchen counter circuit. The ESA website says

The Code does not permit "T Slot" receptacles to be used as replacements for standard 15 amp receptacles. They are permitted to be used only on 20 amp rated branch circuits that have both the conductor and overcurrent protection rated at 20 amps. Standard residential branch circuit wiring is 15 amp rated and only standard 15 amp parallel blade receptacles are permitted to be used with these circuits.

Ontario Electrical Safety Code Rule 26-710.

I was planning to run 2 circuits with #12 AWG/ 20 Amp circuit breakers, but am I allowed to do this in Canada? Maybe I can just set up a 'summer kitchen' in my workshop crash_!

[Homer]

The code requirements in Canada are that 15A receptacles must be on 15A circuits ONLY and 20A receptacles must be on 20A circuits ONLY. 26-710(B)

There is a further restriction in Canada. You may not have any luminaires on 20A circuits. So if you run a 20A circuit in Canada you can't have any light fixtures on it (only cord and plug connected lights are permitted). It is for this reason that most circuits in a home in Canada are 15A. 30-104(A)

This differs from the US where the NEC allows 15A duplex receptacles on both 15A and 20A circuits but prohibits 20A receptacles on 15A circuits (like Canada).

You can do as you propose for your 20A, #12 gauge circuit with 20A receptacles as long as you don't put any luminaires (hard wired light fixtures) on the circuit.

Homer

[joed]

That statement does not restrict you from creating a new 20 amp circuit and installing 20 amp T slot receptacles. It simply indicates that normally you have #14 wire and a 15 amp circuit which you are not permitted to install a 20 receptacle onto.

[Mr Fixit eh]

Thanks, this makes sense.

Steve