Maximum Load on Circuit

[Seaweed]

What is the maximum load calulation to be used, say on a 20 amp circuit in an industry setting suppling a breakroom circuit? Is it 80% or can it be more?

 

[iwire]

NEC

20 amps or less for up to 3 hours at a time.

16 amps forever.

 

[Rockyd]

See 240.4(B) and 210.20

Welcome to the forum !

 

[brother]

This is one of those articles that in my opinion doesnt need to be in the NEC. you really cant enforce it , because you cant keep track what everyone plugs in. a person can always add more to the plugs. Our responsibility stops at the wall.

 

[daleuger]

This is one of those articles that in my opinion doesnt need to be in the NEC. you really cant enforce it , because you cant keep track what everyone plugs in. a person can always add more to the plugs. Our responsibility stops at the wall.

One more reason to keep lighting and receptacle circuits seperated. Lighting you can account for.

 

[little george]

Kinda hard to believe but if you have a 20a. circuit it can be loaded to 20 amps of non-continous load. Does not seem practical but it's true. I guess all things being textbook the over current device will not operate until you exceed 20 amperes.

 

[dbuckley]

I guess all things being textbook the over current device will not operate until you exceed 20 amperes.

The breaker will probably hold 25 amps all day...