number of receptacles on a circuit
- Thread starter killer76
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allenwayne
Senior Member
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
is this a residential application ?
is this a residential application ?
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
This has been discussed several times on this Forum. May I ask you to do a word search, and see if you can find your answer?
This might be a good topic for inclusion in the FAQ section. However, given the strongly opposing points of view that have been expressed on this topic, I don't know if I would be willing to write up the "correct" answer for the FAQ.
This has been discussed several times on this Forum. May I ask you to do a word search, and see if you can find your answer?
This might be a good topic for inclusion in the FAQ section. However, given the strongly opposing points of view that have been expressed on this topic, I don't know if I would be willing to write up the "correct" answer for the FAQ.
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
Per NEC 220.14(I) each receptacle on one yoke shall be calculated at not less than 180va. A 20 amp breaker serving non-continuous loads has a capacity of 20 amps time 120 volts or 2400va. 2400 divided by 180 is 13.33 so you can put 13 receptacles on one 20 amp breaker. I assume each breaker to be continuously loaded so the max available current on a 20a breaker is 16 amps. I look at the area the receptacle is serving and decide if 180 is OK. Also putting 13 receptacles on a circuit doesn't allow for adding any more receptacles in the future. I limit the receptacles to about 6- 8 on a circuit.
Per NEC 220.14(I) each receptacle on one yoke shall be calculated at not less than 180va. A 20 amp breaker serving non-continuous loads has a capacity of 20 amps time 120 volts or 2400va. 2400 divided by 180 is 13.33 so you can put 13 receptacles on one 20 amp breaker. I assume each breaker to be continuously loaded so the max available current on a 20a breaker is 16 amps. I look at the area the receptacle is serving and decide if 180 is OK. Also putting 13 receptacles on a circuit doesn't allow for adding any more receptacles in the future. I limit the receptacles to about 6- 8 on a circuit.
james wuebker
Senior Member
- Location
- Iowa
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
Killer 76
We need to know if it's for residential,commerial or industial.
Jim
Killer 76
We need to know if it's for residential,commerial or industial.
Jim
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
If it's residential, put as many as you can afford to buy on the circuit.
Other than residential, 220.3(B)(9) as pointed out by Physis.
Bh, why would you consider a receptacle circuit continuous unless you knew specifically what the use was?
Roger
If it's residential, put as many as you can afford to buy on the circuit.
Other than residential, 220.3(B)(9) as pointed out by Physis.
Bh, why would you consider a receptacle circuit continuous unless you knew specifically what the use was?
Roger
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
But homeowners have a constraint of which they are likely unaware. If I had a single, large, plug & cord, not-permanently mounted item (e.g., hair dryer) plugged into a 20 amp receptacle outlet that is part of a 20 amp branch circuit, that one item is not allowed to be more than 16 amps (1920 VA). But I can still plug 4 more amps worth of other stuff (480 VA) into other receptacles on the same branch circuit.
I would never treat a receptacle circuit as "continuous," regardless of what is plugged in, if by that you mean that you would multiply the 180 VA times 125%. Our design and installation efforts are based on 180 VA, not on any potential future use of the receptacle.
But homeowners have a constraint of which they are likely unaware. If I had a single, large, plug & cord, not-permanently mounted item (e.g., hair dryer) plugged into a 20 amp receptacle outlet that is part of a 20 amp branch circuit, that one item is not allowed to be more than 16 amps (1920 VA). But I can still plug 4 more amps worth of other stuff (480 VA) into other receptacles on the same branch circuit.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
Charlie
Just to be difficult.
16A is 1920VA at 120V. If the load is a hair dryer, it can be rated by UL as 2000W at 125V maximum. Because it is primarily a resistive load using it at 120V would reduce it's current draw as well as it's heat output.
Charlie
Just to be difficult.
16A is 1920VA at 120V. If the load is a hair dryer, it can be rated by UL as 2000W at 125V maximum. Because it is primarily a resistive load using it at 120V would reduce it's current draw as well as it's heat output.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
As long as you are not disagreeing with me, then you are not being "difficult."
As long as you are not disagreeing with me, then you are not being "difficult."
allenwayne
Senior Member
Re: number of receptacles on a circuit
In residental it is common to wire til you`re tired In other words there is no limit silly yes legal same answer.
ahhh the good old days points limits on a circuit.How did that go away?
In residental it is common to wire til you`re tired
In other words there is no limit silly yes legal same answer.ahhh the good old days points limits on a circuit.How did that go away?
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