[Amps] 240V Outlet

[Martin A Flynn]

Paul Christensen wrote:ice.
>>    * To oversize the wire by at least one gauge size (on a 20 amp
>>      circuit, use #10 wire instead of the #12) to address potential
>>      voltage drop issues.
> It's been a while since I've reviewed that section of the NEC, but I 
> suspect over-sizing the wire size is fine, but I would never oversize 
> the breaker current rating, nor would I over-size on the receptacle 
> and plug.  In the latter case, I've seen instances where a 20-amp 
> 120VAC receptacle is used, but the conductors are sized at #14 AWG.   
> Looking at the receptacle gives the incorrect impression that the 
> branch is rated for 20-amps, when in fact it's only rated at 15-amps.  
> The breaker rating, wire size, receptacle and plug should all match 
> the intended current-carrying capacity.
Paul,
The breaker and  device are the same rating.  My comment was to state 
that his recommendation was to make the conductors and ground one wire 
gauge larger then NFPA 70 states it should be.  

Martin