> The breaker at the fuse box is rated for the largest guage wire in the
> given circuit.  For instance, if you put in a 20 amp breaker, you must
> use 12 guage wire for the entire circuit.  The outlets are typically
> only 15amp, so it's possible to pull 20amp through an outlet rated only
> for 15, but it is not a major hazard.
>
> It's recomended to put in 15 amp breaker with 14 guage wire with 15 amp
> outlets.  Thus you can pull all 15 amps from one outlet without worrying
> about the wire's heating too much.

Unfortunately, this does nothing to protect power strips and power cords of
lower capacity than the 15A or 20A breaker. Many devices (but not all)
contain an onboard fuse or circuit breaker rated to blow before the line
cord is overloaded. However, their is no protection for the line cord
itself.

The UK scheme of placing an appropriately sized fuse in the plug seems like
a great idea to me.

btw: there is one exception to the lack of such protection in the US.
Holiday light strings must have a fuse in the plug.

Bob Ammerman
RAm Systems

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