[Shop-talk] Electrical Outlet wiring question

[Doug Braun]

Hello,

I want to install an electrical outlet (the standard 120V duplex type) in a box where both phases (sic) are available.  I have noticed that duplex receptacles normally have both sockets connected together, but there are little break-away tabs that would allow you to wire each socket independently.  So, i was thinking of hooking up the receptacle so that each of the 120v phases was connected to a different socket (and of course the neutral was common to both).

So, I am wondering:  Is this code-compliant?  Is there any disadvantage to doing it?  BTW, the junction box is supplied from a single 20-amp duplex breaker.

Thanks as always,

Doug