How many outlets can go on one breaker?

Answer 1

Building codes will vary. In the US, the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) is the basis for most of those. The answer will vary depending on what the structure is. For a single family home, there is no specific number of outlets per breaker. For commercial work, there is a limit of 10 outlets per 15 amp, and 13 outlets per 20 amp. The actual current draw MUST be taken into account as a practical matter. YOUR local building codes may differ from the NEC.

Answer 2

The number of outlets on a 15 or 20 amp circuit depends entirely on what you will plugging into those outlets. If you are plugging in an appliance that will pull 10 amps then you cannot also plug in another one taking 15 amps!

Many different combinations are possible, for example a 15 amp circuit may have 15 outlets but only 2 are being used at any one time, such as a floor lamp and a TV.

Generally speaking, most homes have 8 to 10 outlets per a 15 amp circuit. Not all outlets are used at the same time, a lamp here, a TV there, not too much. Regarding lights, you need to add up all the amps pulled by all fixtures on that circuit. The total amps pulled should not exceed 80% of the circuit breaker's maximum amperage.

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There is an allowance of 180 watts per outlet for 120 volt convenience outlets.

It is required that a continuous load [operating over 4 hours] be served such that the circuit is not loaded past 80% of its capacity, which would allow a continuous 16 amp load on a 20 amp circuit. If there were 2 loads planned, the combined continuous load could not exceed 16 amps between both devices.

See NEC [NFPA 70, 2005 edition - National Electrical Code (c)] Article 210, sections 210.20, 210.21 and 210.23.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS

Answer 3

If all you're going to be using that 20 amp circuit for then you can have up to 16 outlets. Generally, computers nowadays don't draw too much amperage especially since people have moved away from the old CRT monitors and use flat screens.

In general practice whatever the circuit you're using you allow for 1 amp per outlet and then load the circuit to 80% of it's maximum capacity.

80% of 20amps = 16

Answer 4

It depends upon the type of device and how many amps other devices draw.

There are many circuits on which you can only have a single device, as limited by code. Other circuits may be limited only by the expected utilization of the various outlets on the circuit. Lighting circuits are generally fixed, so you can design a circuit with up the maximum capacity of the branch (i.e., 80 percent of the 20-A protection rating, or 1920 watts on 120 volts or 3520 on 240 volts). For systems unlikely to have devices in constant use, you can have up to 10 duplex receptacles.

Obviously, if you were to plug in more than 2400 watts, the breaker would pop.

Answer 5

20