max loading of a typical branch circuit

[Designer69]

What is the maximum you can load the standard 20A branch circuit, single family dwelling.

I'm having trouble finding this in the NEC. I thought it's up to around 16A or 80% but can't seem to locate this.

Thank you!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The only time you load a circuit 80% is when the load is continuous. Otherwise, 20 amps is allowed on a 20 amp breaker.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is the section

210.20 Overcurrent Protection. Branch-circuit conductors
and equipment shall be protected by overcurrent protective
devices that have a rating or setting that complies with
210.20(A) through (D).
(A) Continuous and Noncontinuous Loads. Where a branch
circuit supplies continuous loads or any combination of continuous
and noncontinuous loads, the rating of the overcurrent
device shall not be less than the noncontinuous load plus
125 percent of the continuous load.
Exception: Where the assembly, including the overcurrent devices
protecting the branch circuit(s), is listed for operation at 100 percent of
its rating, the ampere rating of the overcurrent device shall be permitted
to be not less than the sum of the continuous load plus the noncontinuous
load.

 

[dkidd]

You might need to consider

210.23(A)
(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.

 

[infinity]

For an individual branch circuit you can load it up to its maximum if, as Dennis stated, it's not a continuous load.

210.22 Permissible Loads, Individual Branch Circuits.
An individual branch circuit shall be permitted to supply
any load for which it is rated, but in no case shall the load
exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating.