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tamischaller · Jan 4, 2008, 01:35 PM

How many wall plugs can be installed on one 15 amp circuit?

tkrussell · Jan 4, 2008, 01:40 PM

To include all derating factors, the max amount is 8.

Washington1 · Jan 5, 2008, 08:59 PM

There is no limit for residential.

Cobraguy · Jan 6, 2008, 05:53 AM

Tk... to quote you from previous posts... can you cite the code limiting the number of outlets to 8? I was always under the impression that Washington1 is correct on this one. I'm not saying there aren't exceptions where your number could be accurate, but generally speaking, I didn't think there was a limit.

tkrussell · Jan 6, 2008, 07:07 AM

What is this, try to catch the expert? If I say black, others say white, and then ask me why. So I was lazy for once and gave the short answer.

Of course I know that.

We in the trade know this. I have always been the first to state that there is no limit for certain residential circuits. Do a search and you will see that.

When I state that, others like to chime in with a limit. So I can't win.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...s+on+a+circuit

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...s+on+a+circuit

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...s+on+a+circuit

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...s+on+a+circuit

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...s+on+a+circuit

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...s+on+a+circuit

Seems I have written some outstanding answers. Consistent also.

Sure wish more would use the Search Utility more often. I don't always have the time to write such words of wisdom over and over. Look at me, I almost can't stand myself, such a pompous jackass.

I have decided to stick with the limit, easier for DIY'ers to understand. And better that they do stick to the limit, which is for all non-residential, but a widely used guideline carried over to residential,as I have stated time and time again.

And keep in mind, the no limit is only for general purpose lighting circuits, in new homes only, which I am sure we all in the trade understand what that is, and I assume that I do not need to explain that to tradesmen.

For the purpose of DIY'ers, I feel it is better that they just use the limit, as it can get confusing trying to describe a GPLC.

Considering that most people are simply remodeling their basement, den, etc. and not trying to wire an entire home, would you not agree that having them stick to some limit is better? Imagine someone with no limit stuck in their mind, and they wire a huge basement with offices, bedrooms, etc. all on one circuit.

One basement can have 20- 100 watt recess lights.

What with all the stuff people bring home and plug in, big screen TV's, multiple computers, laser printers, air conditioners, treadmills, kitchen appliances of every imaginable type, and who knows what, we need to be careful with the "no limit" rule.

And I would think that most electricians wiring a home, that does know which circuits are the general purpose lighting circuits, who doesn't keep the limit in mind, and try to keep within those guidelines, just because.

Further more, to be very specific, the "no limit " rule does not apply to appliance circuits, laundry and bathroom outlet circuits, and most importantly, any new circuits added to an existing dwelling, see Section 220.16.

So, that is what I plan to do from now on.

Seems to me this would be safer advice, and truly is correct for any added circuits.

Cobraguy · Jan 7, 2008, 07:28 AM

HOLY CRAP TK! I sure didn't mean to question your integrity. That is beyond reproach. My question was more for my edification than anything else. I was thinking you knew something I didn't... which you do of course. I never meant to question your knowledge. I ask a lot of questions... and I don't always accept answers as fact or fiction. I'm a "show me" kind of guy I guess. I apologize if I offended you. That was not the intent.

tkrussell · Jan 7, 2008, 10:38 AM

No offense was taken, at all, I was just a bit off, and you picked the short straw, so to speak. Either I give very short answers or I write a book.

There is so much to explain with this stuff, one thing leads to another, I am sure you know what I mean.

Gave me an opportunity to make this "how many outlets on a circuit" issue very clear.

So, keep up the good work you do, keep answering and asking questions, I will try to keep my Irish temper and Connecticut sarcasm in check, (yea right!).

donf · Jan 7, 2008, 12:11 PM

"INCOMING!"

TK, don't give up on us Doubting Thomas' yet. We exist but to learn. :)

tkrussell · Jan 7, 2008, 12:14 PM

No problem. Who me,give up? Never. I like to shake things up a bit.

Stratmando · Jan 7, 2008, 04:12 PM

Whatever happened 2 points for recepticles, a point for light, How did that work, any one know the breakdown on that?

tkrussell · Jan 7, 2008, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by Stratmando

Whatever happened 2 points for recepticles, a point for light, How did that work, any one know the breakdown on that?

Sorry Strat, what do you mean? You have me at a loss.

KingsX · Jan 7, 2008, 09:11 PM

I have a quick quesiton in regard to this. Where I'm from (Canada), there is a limit of 12 on a 15 amp circuit. Does this differ a lot from my American counterparts? I was just curious as most of, well pretty well all of, the advice I've gotten here has been spot on with my local code. I suppose it would be more or less the same. But I hadn't realized that some areas allow unlimited circuits.

Washington1 · Jan 7, 2008, 10:04 PM

What is this, try to catch the expert? If I say black, others say white,

Green! :)

Whatever happened 2 points for recepticles, a point for light, How did that work, any one know the breakdown on that?

Lost me too?

Washington1 · Jan 7, 2008, 10:06 PM

Strat,

I'm sure you know about box fill, but do you think you are mixing box fill calculations with whatever you are talking about. Yet, the light count doesn't add up?

KISS · Jan 7, 2008, 10:11 PM

tamischaller:

None. You put receptacles on the wall. Plugs go on appliances and generator input connectors. Plugs have pins. Receptacles have sockets.

Stratmando · Jan 8, 2008, 06:23 AM

Yes I know abouut box fill and cutting 1 wire makes 2, and current carrying, and all that,
Anyone remember when a circuit went by points, 12 on a circuit, a receptacle was 2 and a light was one?

Washington1 · Jan 8, 2008, 07:36 AM

cutting 1 wire makes 2

Sorry, lost me?

KISS · Jan 8, 2008, 10:07 AM

If you have a wire and cut it, how many do you have? Two pieces. They might have to be joined by a wirenut etc. Hence two.

Washington1 · Jan 8, 2008, 07:47 PM

Keepitsimple,

Lets keep it simple:)

To add, what the heck does that have to do with box fill?

If you have a wire and cut it, how many do you have? Two pieces.

If you want to get technical, this is not true... ;)

I still want to know what start is talking about?

Stratmando · Jan 9, 2008, 07:17 AM

So many better at code than myself, I love Designing , Building, Modifying, troubleshooting.
NEC Table 370-16(a)Maximum number of conductors in Metal Boxes.
370-16(b)(a)... and each conductor that that passes through box without splice or termination shall be counted once(as one)...
Not all conductors need to be cut in every box, many can be pulled through, especially if you may reach maximum number of conductors in a box

From Washington

"If you want to get technical, this is not true"

What part of what I said is not true?