Damaged outlet. Could I replace with 15A outlet to attach to a 10A cord.

Question

This is just an extension cord

Answer 1

Yes you can as long it is just the end of an extension cord no drama as you are placing a higher rated plug to an lower cord the fuse that is in the power box for most power pionts are rated to 10 amps and will blow first along with your cord which is also rated 10 amps.So in reality your 15 amp plug is higher than what is needed but the fuse will shut down before you plug any thing higher than 10 amps. Savvy?

Answer 2

Yes, in fact it's a good idea. But if you don't know what you're doing hire an electrician.

Answer 3

Why not, just don't plug too many things in on it. Don't lend it out as well.  

Answer 4

Ok I think I know what you want to do.  Yes you could..... two problems though.

A 10amp cord, assuming that its rated for 10amps, contains a smaller gauge wire that needed for a 15amp circuit.  You would need a cord with at least 14 gauge wire.  It will say AWG... American Wire Gauge.

It is very easy to overheat a smaller gauge ext. cord.

Second... it sounds as if you are going to wire the cord directly into the box???  It will work as long as you use the correct clamps and connections.  However, depending on the traffic in that area, the cord could get caught and pulled on, possibly pulling it out or even worse loosing the connections inside.  HUGE FIRE HAZARD.... I've been doing electric for a while and a alot of so called, damaged outlets, are mostly from loose connections that are heating up and melting the actual outlet.  

If all you are doing is replacing the existing damaged outlet you should take in the old one and try to match it up.  Typically a 15amp outlet is standard for a home.  But as I said about the ext. cord, at least get a 14awg cord.  At your local home improvement store you should be abe find someone that can help you out.  Hope this helps.