Outlet Question

Do not put a 20 amp outlet on a 15 amp circuit. 15 amp circuits have 15 amp breakers and 14 gauge wire. The 20 amp circuit has 12 gauge wire and 20 amp breakers.  It the current outlet is only 15 amps it should not be replaced with a 20 amp one. (You can tell the difference between 15 and 20 amp outlets as the 20 amp version has a perpendicular slot off each ground connection -- looks like a sideways "T".)

mlsstl, Thanks for letting me know about the amps to use.

The Hubbell 5362 is a pretty decent unit. 

OP:

A peculiarity of the code is that 15A and 20A outlets may be used on 20A circuits. For this, the two types have identical quality and current capacities. Meaning there’s no point in putting in a 20A outlet in a 15A circuit, it’s not built better. Some makers even use EXACTLY the same conductors in both models, but different face plates to save money.

The theory here is that some circuits, like the kitchen counter, may need a 20A circuit to handle multiple appliances at the same time without nuisance tripping.  So the circuit is 20A, but each outlet may have a 15A face plate. The outlets still have to be safe to use on the 20A circuit, so the construction is always the same. 15A outlets do not have thinner conductors.

However, no, you should not put a 20A plug on a 15A outlet as the T shaped hot pin indicates it is safe to use for 20A devices, like industrial vacuum cleaners.

Which brand is better Hubbel or Leviton? I need 15 amp.