National Electrical Installation Standards

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Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Question:

Comments from Question and Responses on 02-07-2020: Re :  "Is a duplex receptacle one or two receptacles."

As with many Code questions, checking the definitions of Article 100 may be of great assistance.  Being on the same yoke does not change the fact that you could connect two attachment plugs to the duplex receptacle.  A duplex is by definition a "Multiple Receptacle" device - two receptacles on one yoke. 

However, do not allow this to become a confusion regarding load calculations.  Refer to Article 220, and particularly 220.14.  Pay special attention to 220.14(A), and (in general reference to your question) 220.14(I).  As a general rule, the duplex (or triplex) on one yoke is still considered a 180 VA load. 

Scott Cline    

A

Answer:

 

   Hi Scott, thanks for the follow up and detailed response. Yes, the NEC definitions certainly provide the needed clarity relative to this question. Agreed. A duplex receptacle is multiple receptacles on the same mounting strap. The heads up on Section 220.14 is a great point about the 180 VA per outlet. A receptacle is not an outlet, it is a device that is installed in an outlet. Supported by the definitions in Article 100.

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