20 amp T slot receptacles

[tsmeplz]

Hi all,

First post and I'm afraid I'm not up on all the technical jargon, so please bear with me:

I've just moved into a "new" home (blt 95) in Las Vegas, an in the garage I found a 20 amp T slot receptacle (I googled it.)

I'm not sure, but I believe the prior owner might have used it for a water softening unit, but I've never had to deal with one of these, so I'm at a bit of a loss.

Can someone please explain what this type of receptacle is used for and whether or not I can use it like a "traditional" outlet?

TIA! T

[furd]

It is for a 120 volt appliance or power tool that takes more than 15 amperes. Not too many of those around and yes, you may use it as you would any 15 ampere receptacle.

[french277V]

Not too many time you will run into 20 amp T slot receptale in USA side in the resdentail however in commercal that diffrent story.

Canada code required T slots on 20 amp circuit and they are very specifc on this.

but really interally { the guts } both 15 and 20 amps devices do share the same parts the only diffrence is the face itself { that useally most case but few may have complety diffrent guts }

Merci.
Marc

[tsmeplz]

I really appreciate the replies. Thanks again.

[chandler]

Unless the OP is referring to a 240 volt 20 amp receptacle, which is more in line with a "T" configuration. Just curious.

[telecom guy]

T: if you can't plug in your vacuum into the "T" outlet, it was put there for a 240v air compressor.

[nap]

pictures are always good. I believe OP is speaking about a 15/20 amp 120 volt recep:



that is a receptacle designed to be able to accept a 15 amp 120 volt plug or a 20 amp 120 volt plug..

a 20 amp 120 volt (nema 6-20) recep (r) and plug (p) have the neutral slot in a horizontal position.

In contrast to a 20 amp 240 volt recep would have the slot on the left in the pic horizontal