Dedicated Circuit required for 20a receptacle?

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rookie4now

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An inspector told me that 20a receptacles require a dedicated circuit. In other words, if you use 20a receptacles on the kitchen counter, each one would need to be dedicated because a device could draw 20a. This makes no sense to me because based upon that same logic, a 15a receptacle on a 15a circuit would require a dedicated circuit. I can't find a specific code on this, but to me, the absence of a code requiring it means it isn't required. Is this a requirement?
 
An inspector told me that 20a receptacles require a dedicated circuit. In other words, if you use 20a receptacles on the kitchen counter, each one would need to be dedicated because a device could draw 20a. This makes no sense to me because based upon that same logic, a 15a receptacle on a 15a circuit would require a dedicated circuit. I can't find a specific code on this, but to me, the absence of a code requiring it means it isn't required. Is this a requirement?

There is no requirement for a dedicated circuit for 20A receptacles. If you use 20A receptacles on the kitchen counter, they are required to be connected to the two required small appliance branch circuits. There is no limitation to how many receptacles can be on each of those circuits.
 
Your inspector needs a remedial course on 210.21(B)(3).

Yes he does. All a 20 amp receptacle requires is a 20 amp circuit. He may be thinking of dedicated equipment like a PTAC unit where there only be one receptacle on a circuit however that's a special case where he known load will be plugged into one receptacle.
 
The only real requirement related to this question is if a single (not a duplex) receptacle is supplied by a 20a circuit, it must be a 20a receptacle.
 
Yes he does. All a 20 amp receptacle requires is a 20 amp circuit. He may be thinking of dedicated equipment like a PTAC unit where there only be one receptacle on a circuit however that's a special case where he known load will be plugged into one receptacle.

That would be 210.21(B)(1).
 
An inspector told me that 20a receptacles require a dedicated circuit. In other words, if you use 20a receptacles on the kitchen counter, each one would need to be dedicated because a device could draw 20a. This makes no sense to me because based upon that same logic, a 15a receptacle on a 15a circuit would require a dedicated circuit. I can't find a specific code on this, but to me, the absence of a code requiring it means it isn't required. Is this a requirement?

Wow, was this a licensed inspector?
 
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