Is it okay to use a 15 amp four way switch on a 20 amp circuit?

Answer by  sonaliraghunathan85 (154)

It is ok to use a 15 amp 4 way switch on a 20 amp circuit provided you do not use all 4 ways at a time. You can safely use maximum 2 ways at a time because if the current in the circuit exceeds 20 amp it would cause the circuit to burn.

Answer by  pja137 (28)

It is allowed as long as the load on the switch will not exceed capacity. Capacity equals 80% of 15 (amps) times 120 (volts), or 1440 watts. If the total watts of the lights the switch is controlling exceeds 1440 watts, you must use a 20 amp switch (capacity equals 1920 watts).

Answer by  sduraiganesh (35)

No,it is not okay. The circuit having 20 amps but the switch's maximum rating is 15 amps so the switch was continuous tripping.

Answer by  worker2148 (144)

No. The 20 amp circuit will overload the switch and cause it to malfunction. Also pay attention to the guage of wire used in the switch and the circuit.

Answer by  liquidjp (33)

Yes. The maximum amount of current that the 4 way switch can draw is 15amps. The maximum for the circuit is 20 amps, if the switch tries to draw more than 15 amps the fuse will blow before the circuit is overloaded.

Answer by  blais (55)

it would be preferable to have a 20 amp switch but you can use a 15 amp aslong as the devices you are powering do not exceed the 15 amps capacity. If your using it for a few lights then no big deal. If your using it for somthing larger the amp draw is probably listed on the device.