0
Branch circuit loading
In Canada the CEC states that there shall be not more than 12 outlets on any 2-wire branch circuit. These outlets shall be considered to be rated at not less than 1 amp per outlet
Where the connected load is known, the number of outlets shall be permitted to exceed 12, provided that the load current does not exceed 80% of the rating of the over current device protecting the circuit.
For example on a 15 amp breaker, 15 x 80% = 12 amps, hence the standard of 12 outlets on any 2-wire branch circuit.
On a 20 amp breaker, 20 x 80% = 16 amps. So from a 20 amp breaker this allows 16 outlets on a 2-wire branch circuit as long as the outlets are not considered to be rated at less than 1 amp per outlet.
The definition of an outlet is a point in the wiring installation at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. What this means is that if a light switch and a fixture outlet were on the same 2-wire branch circuit they would be subtracted from the maximum count of 12 receptacle outlets on the circuit which would leave 10. If the light fixture draws 3 amps plus the switch outlet, then the total circuit outlet count would be reduced to 8 receptacle outlets (12 -- 3 -- 1 = 8).
On a standard specification home most electricians will wire one circuit per room, the outlet count usually never reaches the maximum of 12 outlets.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Coach
Ezra
BeauIn the United States and in commercial and industrial installations a 20 amp circuit may have 13 receptacles and a 15 amp circuit may have 10.
In homes there is no limit except common sense. I wouldn't put more than 2 rooms on the same circuit. this limits how much goes out if one breaker trips, especially since in homes your lights and receptacles are often on the same circuit.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How many lights off one switch?
ten lights per curcuitCircuit loadingIn 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.
How many outlets can you have on a gfi breaker?
Depends on the breaker. If the load at the outlets is unknown then the standard rules of 80% apply. You can only load a circuit 80% of it's maximum value. For instance, if you're connecting your GFCI outlets to a 15 amp breaker you can only have a maximum of 12 outlets. If it's a 20 Amp breaker then you're allowed up to 16 outlets and so on. In the US, you are limited to 13 receptacles on a 20 amp circuit and 10 receptacles on a 15 amp circuit in commercial or industrial installations. Any or all of these can be gfci-protected. You can install one gfci, the first one from the panel, and protect any or all the others from that one.
How many outlets can you have on one circuit?
Depends on what the outlets are controlling, size of the wire, and size of the breaker.
How many outlets are there?
Up to 12 on a 20 amp circuit. Up to 9 on a 15 amp circuit. But use common sense. If the circuit will be heavily loaded, as in a home office, then do not install that many.
How many wall outlets can you have in a circuit using a A breaker?
Assuming this is not an office of a place where lots of the outlets will be used to power items that draw lots of current on a 15 amp circuit wired with 14/2 wire I would limit it to no more than 10 outlets and lights combined. On a 20 amp circuit wired with 12/2 wire I would limit it to a 14 outlets and lights combined. There is no limit in the code. You just use common sense based on what is going to be used on this circuit.
