What is the maximum number of outlets I can have on one 15A circuit?

You need to do a little more planning than that.

You need to know the amperage used by the devices you are connecting to the branch circuit.

With lighting I believe that you multiply 15 Amps by the voltage to get at total of 1800 watts. For lighting branch circuits the number of fixtures to be used on that branch circuit cannot exceed 1800 watts. Personally, I try to stay at around 1600 watts.

For branch circuits supplying outlets I believe that the recommended number of outlets is 12 (might be 10). But again, the prime thing you want to avoid is stringing outlets together and then loading the circuit with devices that will either eat up all the amperage or generate too much wattage.

I do not believe that there are any fixed amounts, particularly with receptacles because the loads that you plug into the receptacle vary with each device.

It's time to dust off your math and be smarter then the average ampere.

Ideally one 15A circuit to each room that would power 8 outlets or 16 lights through the room. If you don't have this luxury, then 2 rooms per 15A circuit with 4 outlets each.

Would 6 outlets and 2 lights seem excessive on one 15A circuit? Keep in mind; no major appliances in any of the outlets. Maybe a small TV but nothing else.

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Originally Posted by DaBaAd

Ideally one 15A circuit to each room that would power 8 outlets or 16 lights through the room. If you don't have this luxury, then 2 rooms per 15A circuit with 4 outlets each.

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Given that the NEC only requires that you never exceed a 6 ft. lateral (either direction) from one receptacle to the next receptacle, you might be adding to many receptacles. However, that is not a problem, as long as you do not exceed the maximum of 15 amps and 1800 watts. You really want to make sure that heat does not damage your conductors.

Better to have to many outlets then not enough.

I agree with Don

I'm sure the inspector will let me know if its not to code. The walls are open and I can re-run anything that isn't done correctly. I'm just trying to figure this out before hand.

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Originally Posted by donf

Given that the NEC only requires that you never exceed a 6 ft. lateral (either direction) from one receptacle to the next receptacle, you might be adding to many receptacles. However, that is not a problem, as long as you do not exceed the maximum of 15 amps and 1800 watts. You really want to make sure that heat does not damage your conductors.

Better to have to many outlets then not enough.

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Contrary to popular belief, there is NO restriction of quantity of outlets on a residential general purpose lighting circuit, to include ceiling lights and wall receptacles, by Code.

Check with local codes, as many inspectors invoke the non-residential code of allowing 180 VA (watts) per receptacle, and that arrives at 8-10 outlets for a 15 amp circuit, and 10-13 outlets on a 20 amp circuit, in a residence.

This does not allow for any appliances, such as air conditioners, dehumidifiers, etc. which most would require separate circuits. Here is where noting the loads are important, but not for a general circuit that would have convenience receptacles around the room for whatever, such as table lamps, TV, alarm clocks, etc.

To err on the side of caution, you can have one circuit per outlet, or you can have 40 outlets on a circuit. Both of these suggestions are ridiculous, so common sense comes into play.

6 outlets and 2 lights are fine for this circuit, still could have more if needed.

TK, Thanks for stepping in.

Am I misunderstanding terms again? There is a code that requires you to place receptacles no more that 6 ft. away from each other horizontally, isn't there?

Thanks for the clarification on the calculation for the number of outlets on a branch circuit.

TK's answer is the accurate one. All his points are valid and correct.

If an inspector tells you there is a limit, politely ask his where that is written so you can read up on it. If he cannot provide a code reference he is illegally trying to enforce his own opinions as code.

I have, and others have, stated this no restriction on general purpose circuits over and over. While suggesting 8 or so outlets may be sound common sense advice, which I am not arguing over, I feel it is necessary to explain what the true maximum is, and then offer suggestions from there.

Advice such as given is how rumors and old wives tales get started, and believe me, us in the trade have plenty to deal with. There is nothing like dealing with a customer that thinks they know more that us.

Everyone has a brother-in-law that has a cousin that use to know a friend that thinks he knows how to do electrical work, and now the customer is complaining about something we have done perfectly to code.

How many electricians here have been told by people, "My house had 3 wire outlets installed, so now I been upgraded to 220" ? Or "What do you mean #12 wire is no good for the dryer, it has been that way for 30 years", and on, and on...

What does the dimension have to do with anything but dictating the minimum amount of outlets in a room?

The code you refer to is 210.52 (A) (1), which states:

"Spacing-Receptacles shall be installed such that no point measured horizontally along the floor line in any wall space is no more than 6 feet from a receptacle outlet."

In other words of everyday language, this means outlets shall not be farther than 12 feet apart, as a maximum, to arrive at the minimum amount of outlets in a room or space.

This has absolutely no bearing on the total amount of outlets on a circuit. Two completely unrelated topics.

Stan is absolutely correct:

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Originally Posted by stanfortyman

If he cannot provide a code reference he is illegally trying to enforce his own opinions as code.

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I must add thou, and Stan I believe will back me up, I have seen a poster in many inspectors office which states, and I paraphrase:

"Arguing with an inspector is like wrestling with a hog, after a while you realize the hog loves it".

The key word Stan mentions is "polite". Usually works

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Advice such as given is how rumors and old wives tales get started, and believe me, us in the trade have plenty to deal with. There is nothing like dealing with a customer that thinks they know more that us.

Everyone has a brother-in-law that has a cousin that use to know a friend that thinks he knows how to do electrical work, and now the customer is complaining about something we have done perfectly to code.

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I agree!

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I must add thou, and Stan I believe will back me up, I have seen a poster in many inspectors office which states, and I paraphrase:

"Arguing with an inspector is like wrestling with a hog, after a while you realize the hog loves it".

The key word Stan mentions is "polite". Usually works

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Why argue with the inspector, when you can talk to his or her supervisor, and if this doesn't work, then you have other ways of getting them to listen. Trust me!!

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

The key word Stan mentions is "polite". Usually works

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The first time I saw this method in action I was surprised how well it actually worked.

I was a young buck sparky and an inspector told me on a final inspection because the switches were IN the bathroom he wanted them GFI protected. My first instinct was HUH. :confused:
When I got back and told my boss I had to put a GFI in the hallway because the inspector wanted the bath lights protected he said "WHAT!?"
He call the inspector and asked him just the way I described earlier. Mr. Inspector got all tongue tied and said, "Well, maybe I was mistaken".
Never had a problem with that inspector making up rules from that time on. :cool:

You can only load the 15A circuit to 80% which is 12A. 12A x 120V = 1440 watts maximum on 15A circuit.

20A circuit is 1920 watts

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Originally Posted by dstephens711

You can only load the 15A circuit to 80% which is 12A. 12A x 120V = 1440 watts maximum on 15A circuit.

20A circuit is 1920 watts

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Not true for most instances.
The 80% limit on all circuits is an old electrician's tale.

What code section would you use to back up what you are saying?

Also, please note the dates of the posts you are replying to.

Not only is the answer late, it is incorrect, and irrelevant to the original question.

Looks like three strikes to me.

Donf. Depends on wall length and placement but 12 ft.is usually encountered. That way you are never more then 6 ft with a lamp cord since most of them are 6ft long. Personally I like no more than 8ft. Apart.