How many receptacales on 20 amp circuit?

Answer 1

Answer for USA and Canada power supply service. Presuming a "15 amp circuit" is meant as a 120 volt system with a 15 amp single pole breaker with #14 awg wire, then: Per the National Electric Code, a breaker can only be loaded to 80% of rating. Thus, a 15 amp breaker can only feed a 12 amp max load. If the loads that will be plugged into the receptacles are unknown, then 180 watts shall be used for each duplex receptacle. Maximum load allowed on the breaker is 120 x 12 = 1440 watts. Maximum receptacles allowed on circuit is 1440 / 180 = 8. Still, read the NEC or other required codes depending on the installation location and connected equipment. In Canada, there shall be not more that 12 outlets on any 2 wire branch circuit. Such outlets shall be considered to be rated at not more that 1 amp per outlet. Where the connected load is known, the number of outlets may exceed 12 providing the load current does not exceed 80 % of the rating of the over current device protecting the circuit.

Answer 2

By code, ten is the maximum number. Each receptacle is rated at 180 VA (volt-amps). Nominal voltage per code is 115V. And circuits are not to be loaded more than 80%. Therefore 20A X 115V = 2300 VA divided by 180VA = 12.7 X .8 = 10 (10.16)

Answer 3

Depends on requirements of applicable electrical code or specifications, and where receptacles are located. For instance, all of the receptacles on a particular circuit could be GFI as GFI protects the load side of the receptacle,

Answer 4

It depends upon what the circuit will be used for. Some uses would only allow a single receptacle, such as one intended for a portable 1500-watt heater.