40 receptacles on a branch cct?

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

Caper Electric

Member
Location
Calgary,Alberta, Canada
How come in the NEC exhibit 220.4 in the 2008 handbook ( Rule 220.14 (J))there is a drawing of branch cct loading showing ( 10 outlets on a 15amp cct max, and 13 outlets on a 20 amp cct max ) but then in Mike Holt's understanding NEC 2008 book, fiqure 220-10 pg. 108, the article says that the NEC has no limit on general receptacle and lighting ccts for dwelling units.
I know that everything is suppose to be covered in the 3000 VA rule, but does this mean I can put 40 receptacles on a branch cct? Or am I suppose to just know that I can't. I'm trying to do a calculation and alittle help would be appreicated. Thanks.
 
There is no limit on the number of outlets but there is a min number of circuits that serve those outlets... once you calculate the number of ciruits you can put as many outlets as you want on them ..
 
In a dwelling unit, the load associated with general purpose receptacles is not counted as a separate line item. It is lumped into the 3VA per square foot.

If you are skilled in searching forums for archaic information, you might look for the several debates we have had on the question of whether the 10/13 receptacle limit you mentioned is a code rule or not. Some have said that the 180 VA per receptacle value is only given in the calculation section (220), and not in the branch circuit section (210), and that therefore there never is a limit to the number of receptacles a circuit can have. Let's not redo that debate here. But you may find it interesting reading.
 
Caper Electric said:
How come in the NEC exhibit 220.4 in the 2008 handbook ( Rule 220.14 (J))there is a drawing of branch cct loading showing ( 10 outlets on a 15amp cct max, and 13 outlets on a 20 amp cct max ) but then in Mike Holt's understanding NEC 2008 book, fiqure 220-10 pg. 108, the article says that the NEC has no limit on general receptacle and lighting ccts for dwelling units.
I know that everything is suppose to be covered in the 3000 VA rule, but does this mean I can put 40 receptacles on a branch cct? Or am I suppose to just know that I can't. I'm trying to do a calculation and alittle help would be appreicated. Thanks.
Click to expand...

It says right there in the notes that it's not to be applied to 'dwelling units'. The only restriction there is where they go on the walls in a dwelling unit. There's a minimum amount used in every room, but no maximum amount.

The restriction rule is applied only to commercial establishments. Think about it. Imagine having a 300,000 sq. foot store. You wouldn't go on the area of the store to determine your load on a given outlet, unlike in a dwelling unit. Each strap is given a maximum of 180VA, which effectively means there's a restriction on the amount of receptacles in a given circuit in a commercial establishment.

In a dwelling unit your receptacles are considered to be part of the general lighting load which in the NEC states that is 3VA per square foot (Table 220.12).

I don't know what you are talking about the "3000VA rule."
 
ron_o said:
Each strap is given a maximum of 180VA, which effectively means there's a restriction on the amount of receptacles in a given circuit in a commercial establishment.
Click to expand...
No it doesn't. Please go find those earlier debates I mentioned, and give us your opinion on this point only after you have read through them.
 
I have found that in explainig this the term "Convenience outlet" helps.
The residential receptacles are there for "Convenience". In a given room you will probably have a fixed number of loads. The outlets are installed so you can place these loads where desired. As you rearange the room, the load is pretty constant, just the location changes..
 
charlie b said:

No it doesn't. Please go find those earlier debates I mentioned, and give us your opinion on this point only after you have read through them.
Click to expand...

Charlie by you saying 'No it doesn't' you are doing what your saying not to do.:smile:

FWIW I think Ron is correct.
 
iwire said:
Charlie by you saying 'No it doesn't' you are doing what your saying not to do.:smile:
Click to expand...
Not at all. I have read through the other posts, so I know the arguments made on both sides, and I can feel free to say "no it doesn't." It may have been clearer to have said, "no, I believe it doesn't."

I just don't want this thread to say the same things the others have said, without the person posting here at least being aware that the same things have been said already.
iwire said:
FWIW I think Ron is correct.
Click to expand...
I knew that, for I have read your side of the arguments as well.

 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top