Outlets Per Breaker

[rmatc4]

Is there a code limit on the number of outlets allowed per breaker? I know that the load planned on the breakers should not exceed the breaker capacity, but if you are in a planning phase not knowing exactly what the end user will do, what is a good rule of thumb?

[physis]

for commercial it's 180 va each.

For residential 220 defines a minimum for general purpose loads but doesn't really describe how it should be applied across the receptacles.

[james wuebker]

physis is correct. In Commercial and Industrial you can put 10 on a 15 amp breaker and 13 on a 20 amp breaker. Residential has no limits on the number you put in however, NEC does require a min. number of branch circuits(220-4(a), and the receptacle and lighting loads must be evenly distributed among the required circuits (220-4(d). Also check with your local building/electrical code. Some local areas have a max. number of receptacles allowed.
Bye now,
Jim

[benaround]

Where in NEC does it limit how many recpts. on a circuit? Not the 180va used in computing load calcs.? Or the 1va per sq./ft. tbl.230.3(A).

frank

[physis]

It's 220.3(B)(9).

Edit: I think 220.4 enforces the calculated load doesn't exceed the branch circuit rating.

If that doesn't do it, it's somewhere in 210 or 220.

[ May 03, 2005, 10:24 PM: Message edited by: physis ]

[bigjohn67]

There is nothing in the code that says a specific number of outlets to a circuit. However, per load

20 amp x 120 v= 2400w
You can load a circuit up to 80%= 1920w
180w per yoke = 11 devices. we stretch it to 15 openings

But there is no where in the code does it state a specific # of outlets per circuit.

[physis]

I found it. It's 210.11 that enforces the calculated load be fed by branch circuits rated for it.

It doesn't say how many receptacles in English. It says it in math though.

CMP 2 wrote both articles 210 and 220. That's why it's difficult.

[benaround]

Then explain 220.13 to me?

frank

[physis]

I don't condone the writing style of CMP 2. I didn't do it.

But 220.13 has no effect on the application of 210.11

Edit: 220.13 is for load calculation and 210.11 is for providing branch circuits.

Edit again: I didn't put that right.

220.13 does impact the application of 210.11 in that the branchs circuits have to be rated for the loads calculated.

[ May 03, 2005, 11:06 PM: Message edited by: physis ]

[dillon3c]

210.23-permissible loads- 2005NEC
In no case shall the load exceed the branch circuit rating*.

210.23(a)Cord-and-plug-connected equipment not fasten in place.

Quote:The rating of any -"ONE"-cord and plug-connected utilization equipment not fastened in place shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit rating.

So we are rating the dwelling MULTIBLE receptacle circuit, at just at 80% percent? Granted, we don't know what going to be plugged into any one receptacle on the circuit,but it doesn't say whole circuit with devices, must be rated not to exceed at 80%percent either..-again 210.23-you can max the circuit out with receptacle devices,for (dwelling units).

show me where it can't be done.

[ May 03, 2005, 11:22 PM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]