load calc

[RRSUPT]

hope this is in the right spot.

How would you calculate load for a general purpose outlet circuit?

Say you have 8 receps on a dedicated circuit, I wanna say I remember 180vA per recep, 8 receps=1440vA.

1440VA=12 amps (1440/120v??) So I could use a 15 amp breaker and #14 THHN, but we use 20amp spec grade receps therfore 20 amp breaker and #12 THHN. Something just doesn't seem right. What am I missing? or where did I go wrong.

 

[C3PO]

What kind of building is this?

If you are going to use 20A receptacles then you will need to put them on a 20A circut with at least 12 AWG. Are these just general use receptacles or for something specific?

 

[mistermudd]

On the 15a ckt only 15a recept is allowed. On th 20a ckt you can install 15 or 20s. Generally, your calc is correct if this a non-res general purpose circuit.