Replacing a 15 amp light switch with a 20 amp?

I assume you mean the light switch that is in the kitchen, not the circuit breaker for that branch circuit. Yes, you may use a switch rated at 20 amps. You could use a switch rated at 1000 amps for that matter, but it wouldn't fit in your 2"x4" box.

In the home, branch circuits for lighting are often protected by 15 amp circuit breakers. This allows the electrician to use 14 gauge wire, instead of the 12 gauge wire required for a 20 amp receptacle circuit. 14 gauge wire is considerably cheaper, having only 63% of the cross-sectional area of 12 gauge wire.

I suppose that 15 amp switches were once used for lighting, as in your case. But a 20 amp switch would only cost pennies more, and has become the standard switch used today.

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RE:

Replacing a 15 amp light switch with a 20 amp?

Can I replace a 15 amp light switch in my kitchen with a switch that's rated 20 amps? Would it work?

Changing a 15 amp switch to a 20 amp switch is no problem. You didn't say why you were changing to a 20 amp. Was the old switch heating up? Did you change it because it wasn't working properly and just picked up a 20 amp switch? The wiring is protected by the source..ie..breaker or fuse. So if there was a problem with the wiring, you would trip the breaker or blow the fuse. You would use a 20 amp switch if the load you are switching requires it, but there is no problem to switch from a 15 amp to a 20 amp.

Amp Lighting

Yes that is perfectly fine, it is the other way around you don't want to do. A 20 amp switch is a heavier duty switch then a 15 amp, it will cost more money but it is perfectly fine.

I know that I am repeating what other responders have already said but without any other gobbledygook. A 20 amp switch will work perfectly fine in the circuit. It is made of a better quality than the one rated at 15amps.

You might change to 20 amps but your current supply still as indicate at the breaker.

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Yes it will work great,better quality switch.

It will work fine. Its just meant to handle a bigger load.