@gizmo
I am asking that same question- what did the dryer actually require when adapted to 115 volts.
To answer your question US NEMA 5-15r receptacles (found in all US homes) are designed to take 15 amp rated cord caps, however the receptacles themselves are typically placed on 20 amp 12 gauge (3.31mm2) circuits in kitchens, dinning rooms, laundry rooms and bathrooms as mandated by code.
This is electrically possible because all NEMA 5-15r receptacles have 20 amp feed through capability and can be placed on either a 15 or 20 amp circuit. This has been the norm for decades in every US kitchen and dinning room where code mandates 20 amp circuits for general use receptacles.
-However- any corded load requiring a 20 amp circuit must be quipped with a NEMA 5-20p cord cap where the neutral prong is rotated 90* and meant to be plugged into a NEMA 5-20 "T-slot" receptacle. It is common for spec grade NEMA 5-20 T slot receptacles to have the exact same internal guts as 5-15 spec grade receptacles with literally the only difference being the extra opening in the molded plastic front.
A US NEMA 5-20r receptacle outlet can physically and legally take either a 120 volt 15 amp or 120 volt 20 amp cord cap but not the other way around; a 5-20p cord cap will not fit into a 5-15r receptacle.
In regards to the picture it is the 60s version of stock footage- the cord appears to be 18-22 AWG with an unpolarized plug- identical to what you would find on a table lamp of that era. No way can a 22 AWG lamp cord handle a dozen or more amps worth of current.
I've always wondered, can your 10 amp sockets go on a 16 amp circuit?
[this post was last edited: 1/19/2025-21:26]