What is a 20 Amp Outlet And Why Do We Need One?
To ensure we can brew and serve our delicious coffee flawlessly from start to finish, there's one small but crucial detail we need your help with: power.
Our commercial-grade espresso machine and grinding equipment require a reliable power source, specifically a 20-amp electrical outlet.
This article will help you understand what a 20-amp outlet is, how to spot it, where you can typically find one, and why it's so important for a smooth event.
How to Spot the Difference:
15-Amp vs. 20-Amp Outlets
When you look at an electrical outlet, they all look pretty similar, but a tiny detail tells you everything you need to know about its power capacity. The key is to look closely at the shape of the slots.
| Outlet Type | Visual Configuration | The Easiest Way to Tell |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 15-Amp | Two simple vertical slots and a round ground hole. | This is the most common outlet you find in walls everywhere. |
| Heavy-Duty 20-Amp | Two vertical slots, a round ground hole, and one of the vertical slots has a small horizontal notch next to it. | Look for the shape that resembles a sideways 'T'. |
The sideways 'T' slot on the 20-amp outlet is your visual guide! It's designed to accept plugs for high-powered equipment, which is exactly what our espresso machine is.
Where Can I Find a 20-Amp Outlet?
Because 20-amp outlets are designed for appliances that draw more power, they are not typically in living rooms or bedrooms. Instead, you're most likely to find them in areas designed for high-power use:
Kitchens and Breakrooms: Where large appliances (refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers) are plugged in.
Special Locations: Anywhere equipment or large appliances are needed.
Commercial or Event Spaces: Near designated food service areas or areas.
If you are hosting in a commercial kitchen or a dedicated event space, they are usually much easier to locate!
The Power Problem: Why We Must Have a 20-Amp Outlet
The difference between a 15-amp and 20-amp outlet is simply the amount of electrical current (or "amps") the circuit can handle before it shuts down for safety.
A standard 15-amp outlet is perfect for lights, laptops, and phone chargers.
A 20-amp outlet is needed for appliances that work much harder, like our espresso machine.
The Risk of Using a 15-Amp Outlet
Our professional espresso machine heats water and builds high pressure simultaneously—a process that requires a strong and stable flow of electricity. If we plug the machine and our other required appliances (like grinders) into a standard 15-amp outlet, the circuit will be instantly overloaded and fail.
When an outlet fails, the circuit breaker trips, and all power to the cart shuts off. This not only pauses the coffee service but can also potentially cause damage to our sensitive equipment. Our espresso machine simply cannot be on an outlet that fails. We need that stable, 20-amp power source to guarantee continuous, quality service throughout your entire event
Our Backup Plan: Alternatives for Your Venue
If you check your venue and can't find that special "T" shaped outlet, don't worry! We always have alternatives to make your event a success:
Multiple Standard Outlets on Different Circuits: If a single 20-amp outlet is unavailable, we can safely operate by plugging our equipment into two or more separate 15-amp outlets, provided they are on completely different electrical circuits. We use long, heavy-duty extension cords to safely reach these multiple outlets. Just let us know and we’ll come up with a power plan.
For any questions about your venue's power, please don't hesitate to reach out! We’re excited to serve you. You can learn more about our coffee and services at www.beansproutcoffee.com.
