How many devices on a branch circuit?

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Valleybuilt

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Please give me the code section that talks about how many devices can be on a branch circuit. My electrical contractor keeps using and billing me for a sub panel that I do not feel we need. Can some one help me?
 
It is not DIY, is there an amount of devices on a branch circuit. They put (8) i have heard that it is unlimited. I would like the facts with the code section when I talk to them about this.
 
I presume that by "devices," you are refering to common place, general purpose, receptacle outlets. Otherwise, you will need to clarify your question.

This question is the subject of a long-standing disagreement in the industry, and in particular amongst members of this forum. To my knowledge, it is still not resolved. Some say it is unlimited, some say the limit is 10 (for a 20 amp circuit) and 8 (for a 15 amp circuit), and some say the answer is different for a dwelling unit as opposed to a commercial building. There is no article in the NEC that clearly gives an answer to this question.

My opinion is that you can certainly get 10 receptacles on a 20 amp circuit, and you can certainly get 8 receptacles on a 15 amp circuit, but that you should not push to get more than that. The NEC only gives us the minimum requirements for a safe installation. It does not give assurances that the owner will be satisfied with the performance of the installed system, if you just go with the minimums. It even says so, explicitly, in article 90.1(B). So if you have them install more receptacles, then you are likely to be unhappy later, when things start tripping on you.
 
charlie b said:
This question is the subject of a long-standing disagreement in the industry, and in particular amongst members of this forum. To my knowledge, it is still not resolved. Some say it is unlimited, some say the limit is 10 (for a 20 amp circuit) and 8 (for a 15 amp circuit), and some say the answer is different for a dwelling unit as opposed to a commercial building. There is no article in the NEC that clearly gives an answer to this question.
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I will echo Charlie's comments and add:
Some localities may have an amendment to the NEC allowing a max. amount of recept.s per circuit size.

Not knowing where the OP is located, hinders the process.
 
Valleybuilt, I have not done any residential in Decatur in a long time. But as memory serves it is 8 on a 15 and 10 on a 20 for new construction. I have to call the inspection department about a strip mall service in the AM and will ask for you. I will send you a private message with his answer some time tomorrow. By the way are you the guy doing the customs out by Point Mallard or is that someone else?
 
Valleybuilt said:
Please give me the code section that talks about how many devices can be on a branch circuit. My electrical contractor keeps using and billing me for a sub panel that I do not feel we need. Can some one help me?
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All outlets that are not covered in 220.14 (A) through (K) shall be calculated based on 180 volt-amperes per outlet.
So, the outlets included in general lighting calculations for 210.(C)(3)(bathroom branch circuits); 210.52(E)& (G) (outdoor outlets and basement and garage outlets); and 210.70(A) & (B) (lighting outlets required for dwelling unit habitable rooms, interior stairways, hallways, attached garages and detached garages with electric power, entrance and exit lighting at grade level, and storage and equipment spaces).....these are all included in general purpose outlets.
Any nominal voltage outlets that are not included here are to be calculated at 180 volt-amperes per outlet. For 12 gage, 180 X 13 divided by 120 volts equals 19.5 amperes. I'd say no more than 13 outlets on circuits governed by 220.14(L).:smile:
 
wbalsam1 said:
Any nominal voltage outlets that are not included here are to be calculated at 180 volt-amperes per outlet. For 12 gage, 180 X 13 divided by 120 volts equals 19.5 amperes. I'd say no more than 13 outlets on circuits governed by 220.14(L).:smile:
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I can put 8763 receptacle outlets on a 15 or 20 amp dwelling unit circuit. :smile:
 
Valleybuilt, the following is commentary from the National Electrical Code Handbook, notice the different requirements for residential.

the maximum number of outlets permitted on 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits is 10 and 13 outlets, respectively. This restriction does not apply to outlets connected to general lighting or small-appliance branch circuits in dwelling units.
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Roger
 
As Charlie pointed out, just because it's code compliant, doesn't mean you're gonna like how it works.

Most everything I've ever done is industrial. I'd much rather put in a sub panel than run a bunch of circuits.

I can't tell from the OP what kind of facility you're talking about.

A trustworthy, experienced contractor should do what is right for the situation.

You may be glad for the extra capacity down the road.

I think if you don't trust your contractor, you oughta get a different one.
 
Valleybuilt said:
Please give me the code section that talks about how many devices can be on a branch circuit. My electrical contractor keeps using and billing me for a sub panel that I do not feel we need. Can some one help me?
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Check out 210.11
 
roger said:
Valleybuilt, the following is commentary from the National Electrical Code Handbook, notice the different requirements for residential.

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Roger
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the maximum number of outlets permitted on 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits is 10 and 13 outlets, respectively. This restriction does not apply to outlets connected to general lighting or small-appliance branch circuits in dwelling units.
Roger[/quote]
Fred says: In a way, this is exactly what I said. But your way is much more understandable.
Question for iwire: how many receptacle outlets not covered in 220.14(A)through(J) could you put in a dwelling?
 
wbalsam1 said:
Question for iwire: how many receptacle outlets not covered in 220.14(A)through(J) could you put in a dwelling?
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No offense meant but your previous post was unclear, at least to me.
 
charlie b said:
Zip code 35601, from the OP's profile, corresponds to Decatur, AL.
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Uh-oh...we irregular members don't see the zip code part....it mod only for that confidential info.
 
tryinghard said:
Check out 210.11
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In a dwelling unit....if I had a room that was 14' x 14' and I decided to put an outlet every 4" along the walls [only 1 door, no closets or anything else]...according to the NEC...how many circuits would be required?
 
celtic said:
In a dwelling unit....if I had a room that was 14' x 14' and I decided to put an outlet every 4" along the walls [only 1 door, no closets or anything else]...according to the NEC...how many circuits would be required?
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You can have one receptacle every 6" all on one 15A circuit.

As long as you comply with 210.23
 
celtic said:
..but we need them every 4" ~ does that mean I need a 20A CB :D
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Sure if ya want, but a 15A is probably just fine. :)

When I wire a house I use 500 sq ft +/- per general lighting circuit, 15A circuitry for receptacles and lights. I've never had any troubles even in custom homes. Now-a-day?s with arc faults this works out nice.
 
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