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.
According to 210.23, an individual (single-outlet) branch circuit can supply any load within its rating.
(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.
Section 210.23(A)(2) permits a 15- or 20-ampere branch circuit supplying lighting outlets to also supply utilization equipment fastened in place, such as appliances or an air conditioner. Under the conditions specified in this requirement, the utilization equipment load must not exceed 50 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating (7.5 amperes on a 15-ampere circuit and 10 amperes on a 20-ampere circuit). However, according to 210.52(B), such fastened-in-place equipment is not permitted on the small-appliance branch circuits required in a kitchen, dining room, and so on. The requirement in 210.23(A)(1) clarifies that only cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment that is not fastened in place can have a rating of up to 80 percent of the branch-circuit rating where the circuit also supplies other loads. Equipment that is fastened in place, whether direct wired or cord and plug connected (waste disposers and dishwashers, for example), is covered by the 50-percent requirement in 210.23(A)(2). The requirements of 210.23(A)(2) do not apply to a branch circuit that supplies only fastened-in-place utilization equipment, and where that is the case the entire rating of the branch circuit can be applied to the utilization equipment. For example, a 20-ampere branch circuit dedicated to supplying a waste disposer and a dishwasher is not restricted to either one of the appliances not exceeding 50 percent (10 amperes) of the branch-circuit rating as long as the combined load of the two appliances does not exceed 20 amperes.
(B) 30-Ampere Branch Circuits. A 30-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to supply fixed lighting units with heavy-duty lampholders in other than a dwelling unit(s) or utilization equipment in any occupancy. A rating of any one cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating.
(C) 40- and 50-Ampere Branch Circuits. A 40- or 50-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to supply cooking appliances that are fastened in place in any occupancy. In other than dwelling units, such circuits shall be permitted to supply fixed lighting units with heavy-duty lampholders, infrared heating units, or other utilization equipment.
(D) Branch Circuits Larger Than 50 Amperes. Branch circuits larger than 50 amperes shall supply only nonlighting outlet loads.
See the commentary following 210.3, Exception, regarding multioutlet branch circuits greater than 50 amperes that are permitted to supply nonlighting outlet loads at industrial premises.
