Residential Receptacles Per Circuit

[laketime]

Where in the code does it, if it does at all, specify how many receptacles can be on one circuit in a single family home? I know commercial is 180va per receptacle for load calculations. I know a home is 3va per square foot for load calculations. What code sections in the 2023 would I use to state a case for how we circuit a house?

 

[LarryFine]

Where in the code does it, if it does at all, specify how many receptacles can be on one circuit in a single family home? I know commercial is 180va per receptacle for load calculations. I know a home is 3va per square foot for load calculations. What code sections in the 2023 would I use to state a case for how we circuit a house?

There is a difference between load calc rules (Art. 220) and actual wiring rules (Art. 210).

In my opinion, there are no actual quantity limits; it would be too easy to include them.

 

[laketime]

There is a difference between load calc rules (Art. 220) and actual wiring rules (Art. 210).

In my opinion, there are no actual quantity limits; it would be too easy to include them.

We agree. We are wiring a house for a commercial electrician and he is telling the builder we can only have (8) receptacles on a circuit as the code states. I am not aware of any limitations on the number of receptacles outside of what is required in article 210.

 

[mtnelect]

Number of Outlets Permitted
on One Branch-Circuit
The NEC® does not specify the maximum number
of receptacle outlets or lighting outlets that may
be connected to one 120-volt lighting or small appliance
branch-circuit in a residence. It may seem to be
ridiculous and illogical that 10, 20, or more receptacle
outlets and lighting outlets can be connected
to one branch-circuit and not be in violation of
the Code. Consider the fact, however, that having
many “convenience” receptacles is “safer” because
many receptacle outlets will virtually eliminate the
use of extension cords, one of the most frequent
causes of electrical fires. Rarely, if ever, would all
receptacle outlets and lighting outlets be fully
loaded at the same time. There is much diversity of
load in residential occupancies.

 

[LarryFine]

We are wiring a house for a commercial electrician and he is telling the builder we can only have (8) receptacles on a circuit as the code states.

Tell him that, while there is no such code, you will be happy to install as many extra home runs and breakers as he is willing to pay extra for.

The quantity of receptacles per circuit depends on their purposes

I prefer only two or three per 20a circuit in kitchens, but have no problem with putting two or three bedrooms' worth of them on one.

 

[laketime]

Tell him that, while there is no such code, you will be happy to install as many extra home runs and breakers as he is willing to pay extra for.

Love it! That is what I said.

 

[infinity]

We agree. We are wiring a house for a commercial electrician and he is telling the builder we can only have (8) receptacles on a circuit as the code states. I am not aware of any limitations on the number of receptacles outside of what is required in article 210.

He's wrong. If he wants to pay extra for 8 receptacles on a circuit let him.

 

[qcroanoke]

Do the calculations and show him how many circuits the code would require.
I would think you're gonna do better than that.

 

[ptonsparky]

No big deal back when breakers were $6.50 or less and homes were 1200 sq ft. (Ignoring tract housing)

 

[tom baker]

Number of Outlets Permitted
on One Branch-Circuit
The NEC® does not specify the maximum number
of receptacle outlets or lighting outlets that may
be connected to one 120-volt lighting or small appliance
branch-circuit in a residence. It may seem to be
ridiculous and illogical that 10, 20, or more receptacle
outlets and lighting outlets can be connected
to one branch-circuit and not be in violation of
the Code. Consider the fact, however, that having
many “convenience” receptacles is “safer” because
many receptacle outlets will virtually eliminate the
use of extension cords, one of the most frequent
causes of electrical fires. Rarely, if ever, would all
receptacle outlets and lighting outlets be fully
loaded at the same time. There is much diversity of
load in residential occupancies.

Is this an AI post?

 

[4x4dually]

Is this an AI post?

It's sure getting harder to tell. I help moderate on a diesel forum and we have to differentiate nearly daily. When in doubt, hand out a vacation, that's my motto.

 

[ptonsparky]

It's sure getting harder to tell. I help moderate on a diesel forum and we have to differentiate nearly daily. When in doubt, hand out a vacation, that's my motto.

I would just as soon sort through spelling and punctuation errors.

 

[4x4dually]

I would just as soon sort through spelling and punctuation errors.

No lie. Most members have the spelling, grammar, and punctuation of a 6th grader. LOL I keep telling them how important those three things are.

 

[Chamuit]

Unless there is an AHJ amendment...

 

[infinity]

Laketime,

When you have a minute please update your profile to include your occupation and location.

Thanks.

 

[gene6]

We are wiring a house for a commercial electrician

Man that is strange if I had the $$$ to build my custom dream home I'd be wiring it myself.

 

[Fred B]

Number of Outlets Permitted
on One Branch-Circuit
The NEC® does not specify the maximum number
of receptacle outlets or lighting outlets that may
be connected to one 120-volt lighting or small appliance
branch-circuit in a residence. It may seem to be
ridiculous and illogical that 10, 20, or more receptacle
outlets and lighting outlets can be connected
to one branch-circuit and not be in violation of
the Code. Consider the fact, however, that having
many “convenience” receptacles is “safer” because
many receptacle outlets will virtually eliminate the
use of extension cords, one of the most frequent
causes of electrical fires. Rarely, if ever, would all
receptacle outlets and lighting outlets be fully
loaded at the same time. There is much diversity of
load in residential occupancies.

There is a requirement that sort of gives a minimum based on linear wall footage but not related to a number on a single circuit, That covers the extension cord issue. In dwelling units I trend as a practice but not a result of a requirement to limit how many on a circuit based on locations for convenience so if a trip was to occur it didn't shut down a large portion of the house.

The forum has had this discussion before.

 

[tom baker]

Kitchen has highest loads, my 1995 rewire I had 5 circuits for kitchen. With led lighting and modern electronics there is little load elsewhere

 

[qcroanoke]

Man that is strange if I had the $$$ to build my custom dream home I'd be wiring it myself.

Owner is a commercial electrician and probably has no clue how to wire a house and is leaving it to someone who does. (Smart man)

 

[ptonsparky]

Owner is a commercial electrician and probably has no clue how to wire a house and is leaving it to someone who does. (Smart man)

Or makes more money doing what he does and enjoys not having to work nights and weekends to keep up. Still a smart man.