[stanfortyman]

For giggles here is the 2011 NEC text on this.

210.23 Permissible Loads.

In no case shall the load exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating. An individual branch circuit shall be permitted to supply any load for which it is rated. A branch circuit supplying two or more outlets or receptacles shall supply only the loads specified according to its size as specified in 210.23(A) through (D) and as summarized in 210.24 and Table 210.24.

(A) 15- and 20-Ampere Branch Circuits. A 15- or 20-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to supply lighting units or other utilization equipment, or a combination of both, and shall comply with 210.23(A)(1) and (A)(2).

Exception: The small-appliance branch circuits, laundry branch circuits, and bathroom branch circuits required in a dwelling unit(s) by 210.11(C)(1), (C)(2), and (C)(3) shall supply only the receptacle outlets specified in that section.

(1) Cord-and-Plug-Connected Equipment Not Fastened in Place. The rating of any one cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment not fastened in place shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating.

(2) Utilization Equipment Fastened in Place. The total rating of utilization equipment fastened in place, other than luminaires, shall not exceed 50 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating where lighting units, cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment not fastened in place, or both, are also supplied.

What I get from this is that any one piece of equipment that is plugged in cannot be more than 80% of the circuit.
The circuit itself can have a 100% load.

[donf]

Stan,

Sorry for my sloppy math response. I was wrong on the applicable loads also.

Actually 2011 NEC 424.3(A),(B) is the correct citation and it totally supports both you and milkman's response.

The only thing I was correct on was the 80% continuous load factor.

I do not believe that cite 210.23 is the correct citation because this citation is dealing with "Cord and Plug" equipment, not hard wired. Unless, Milkman has equipment that he has to install 240V receptacles for.

[stanfortyman]

I do not believe that cite 210.23 is the correct citation because this citation is dealing with "Cord and Plug" equipment, not hard wired. Unless, Milkman has equipment that he has to install 240V receptacles for.

210.23 is permissible loads. Not just cord and plug.

210.23(A)(1) and (A)(2) deal with cord and plug, equipment fastened in place, and the combination of the two.