I'm replacing a 15 amp GFCI outlet that has three outlets on the run and that's it. 20 amp breaker feeds the 12 gauge run to the GFCI outlet, then the load out is 14 gauge to the other two outlets. My initial thought is to replace the breaker with 15 amp. I'm hesitant to replace the GFCI outlet with 20 amp because of the 14 gauge load out. The location of the outlets: GFCI outlet one side of kitchen bar, second outlet under bar, and final outlet opposite end of bar. Is my thinking correct to change breaker to 15 amp and don't change the GFCI outlet to 20 amp?

First & foremost - if you've got 14 AWG hard-wired from the GFCI to the the downstream outlets, then you need a 15A breaker. This is a safety issue. I'd be asking where else this could be incorrect.

Secondly, you should make sure you have 15A receptacles on a 15A breaker. This prevents you from connecting 20A plugs (which practically no homeowner uses) to a 15A circuit. Not a serious safety issue since the 15A breaker will protect the circuit, but a code issue none-the-less.

Thirdly, and just for info/clarity since there is often a misconception here - you are allowed to install 15A receptacles on a 20A breaker because they are rated for 20A pass-through. The individual outlet is configured for a 15A plug. You also don't need 12 AWG cable for flexible cords that are plugged into a 20A circuit.

Very good info, thanks!

Let me confirm the wire sizes. I'm 99% certain those are 15 amp outlets on that run. I'm mostly confused on why a 20 amp breaker was installed.

You bet. Outlets are easy to confirm visually.

Aggiemike96 said:

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Very good info, thanks!

Let me confirm the wire sizes. I'm 99% certain those are 15 amp outlets on that run. I'm mostly confused on why a 20 amp breaker was installed.

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If the is only one receptacle on a 20A breaker then the receptacle needs to be 20A. If you have multiple receptacles on a 20A breaker, they can be the 15A variety. I also think the #14 wire on downstream receptacles may be allowed by a residential exception, but I don't do residential, so not 100% sure about that.

Code says for a 20A breaker, the entire run must be 12AWG. You can't have 14AWG anywhere in the series. You can have a 15A receptacle if there are multiple outlets in the run. If it's a single run to one receptacle, then it must be the 20A type.

AgProgrammer said:

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Code says for a 20A breaker, the entire run must be 12AWG. You can't have 14AWG anywhere in the series. You can have a 15A receptacle if there are multiple outlets in the run. If it's a single run to one receptacle, then it must be the 20A type.

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Yep.

FWIW, a single 15A duplex receptacle meets the requirement for multiples. You need a true single outlet receptacle to get into the 15A breaker requirement.

This post has great responses. It is cool to see so many folks bring so much expertise.