Receptacle quantity

[rcmihalich]

Is there a limitation on the number of receptacles that can be put on a garage circuit. The only references that I can find is that they must be GFCI protected. Article 220 makes reference that you would use 180 VA per receptacle but this is only for calculations not circuit loading.

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: Receptacle quantity

Manufacturers have a max. # of receptacles that a gfci device can protect

 

[russ]

Re: Receptacle quantity

There is really no limit to the number of receptacles on a branch circuit in a dwelling.
There are requirements for a circuit per square footage.

Russ

[ April 11, 2003, 06:52 AM: Message edited by: russ ]

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Receptacle quantity

A common problem I come across alot is contractors wiring all the garage and ouside required recptacles off a GfCI receptacle in the garage or loadcenter. Nuisance tripping and overloading is a constant problem. There is nothing preventing this installation in the code, but it is a poor design. Garages can be a highly loaded area with the common practice of placing freezers and additional refrigerators, power tool use, and these new cord-and-plug welders and plasma cutters. Great care must be taken to ensure efficent and reliable power for the garage area. I limit two receptacles per circuit and separate lighting outlerts from any receptacles circuits.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Receptacle quantity

Originally posted by bphgravity:There is nothing preventing this installation in the code, but it is a poor design.

Very true! We would all do well to reflect upon this notion from time to time. The code only deals with the minimums necessary for a safe installation. It is not a design guide, it is not concerned with proper functioning of the installed system, and it does not assure that the customer will be happy with the installation. This is where the experience of a professional makes all the difference.

 

[rich000]

Re: Receptacle quantity

Isn't the limit 10 receptacles on a 15A circuit and 13 on a 20A circuit?

10 x 180VA = 1800VA / 120V = 15A
13 x 180VA = 2340VA / 120V = 19.5A = 20A

 

[peter d]

Re: Receptacle quantity

Isn't the limit 10 receptacles on a 15A circuit and 13 on a 20A circuit?

This rule doesn't apply to residential installations, unless you have a local code.