Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Arjay808's Avatar
    Arjay808 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 19, 2009, 04:50 AM
    Allowable amount of receptacles per 20A circuit
    I am getting ready to do the rough in on a renovation project and wanted to check the allowable amount of receptacles for a 20 amp breaker using #12awg wire. Our electrician will close but I needed an allowable amount of receptacles per 20A circuit. Any help is appreciated. Arjay808.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 19, 2009, 09:02 AM

    There is not specific limit on the number of receptacles. Your electrician will know this already.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 19, 2009, 09:06 AM
    In a residence, there is no NEC Code imposed limitation.

    I believe that there is a limit of 10 receptacle outlets on one 20 amp branch-circuit in commercial environments.

    That said, the imposed limitation is wattage. 120 X 20 = 2400 watts.

    The problem is that with cord attached devices you have no way to know what will be the actual load you are serving.

    For example, if you have ever installed a early model laser printer in your home, you would see the lights dull usually every 4 seconds.

    That's the reason why they were recommended to be on a dedicated 20 amp line.

    Personally I would keep to the 10 receptacles as a general guideline.

    Please review section 210.52 of the 2008 NEC Code manual. You can view the NEC Codes by following the instructions contained in the "Stickies" above.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Allowable fundraiser [ 1 Answers ]

A small local organization has asked our 501C3 organization to join in the publication of a business directory listing members of both organizations that are small business owners. Businesses would pay to be listed. Is this a permissible activity for a charity?

Can a hood be on the same 20A circuit with already 2 duplex GFCI receptacles [ 3 Answers ]

In my kitchen I have 2 duplex GFCI receptacles above the countertop on one 20A circuit. I cannot pull an extra wire through the existing conduit so would like to hook up the hood and the range (all gas but needs power for the electronics) on that same circuit. Does the NEC 2005 code allow for...

15A receptacles on 12/2 GFCI Circuit [ 5 Answers ]

I was just looking at some of the wiring that was done in my house when it was built in 2003. I have one GFCI Circuit that has 5 receptacles on it. On this, it is wired all with 12/2 to the garage first, where the receptacle is the GFI, then it runs 3 outdoor receptacles, and 1 in the basement. ...

Can receptacles and lights be wired on the same circuit? [ 1 Answers ]

Hi, I a do it yourselfer who wanted to do some wiring in an addition. I was wondering if receptacles and lights can be wired together on the same circuit? Also, is it better to use 14 wire and then less wattage or 12 wire and then more loads? And what about bathrooms do they need to be on...

20amp circuit breaker, 15 amp receptacles [ 2 Answers ]

I have a 20amp circuit breaker with 15 amp receptacles and light switches on #12 wire with a load of 1700, is this allowable? If not, and I change to a 15 amp circuit breaker, is the 1440 watt safety load in the code or is it a non-code safety suggestion?

View more questions Search