[sdiy] phototransistor Ic max

[.]

Hello,

When the specs of a phototransistor says Max collector current = 20mA,  
does it refer to the max current that can go thru CE or the fact that the 
collector cannot be connect straight to the power +15v. (even if the emitter 
has a proper resistor on the other side to limit current below 20 mA) ?

Mine is the tranny involved in this device:
http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/H2%2FH21A1.pdf

And i made a mistake soldering a bunch of them, the limiting resistor (in fact 
the load resistor) is on the emitter side :-/

Sorry for the dumb question, thanks a lot for your time :)

L.