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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.
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EzraThe number of outlets that can go on one breaker depends on the amp rating of the breaker and the power requirements of the connected devices. As a general rule, a 15-amp breaker can typically support around 8-10 outlets, while a 20-amp breaker can support more. However, it is important to consult with a qualified electrician to ensure that the electrical system is properly designed and installed to meet safety standards.
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.
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
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.
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How many canned lights can go on one breaker?
The number of can lights that can go on one breaker will depend on the wattage of each light and the maximum load capacity of the breaker. It's important to calculate the total wattage of all the lights and ensure it does not exceed the amp rating of the breaker to avoid overloading it. Consult with an electrician to determine the appropriate number of can lights that can safely go on one breaker.
Plugging an electric heater into a GFI outlet caused the lights and other outlets to go out but didn't trip the circuit breaker why?
It's possible that the GFI outlet was overloaded by the electric heater, causing it to shut off power to prevent a potential hazard. The circuit breaker may not have tripped because it was on a different circuit from the GFI outlet. It's important to have a licensed electrician inspect the outlet and wiring to ensure safety.
Why is the power off on on breaker when it is not flipped off?
Turning the breaker on allows the power to flow through to the outlets, lights, and appliances on that circuit, so yes power goes to and through a turned on breaker. If the breaker is off, but the main power is on, power still get to the breaker, usually from the bus bar that runs down the middle of the back of the breaker box.
My circuit breaker keeps popping I have replace the 2-prong outlet with a 4-outlets and why is it still popping?
Replacing the outlet may not solve the issue if there is an underlying problem with the circuit itself. The circuit breaker could be overloaded due to multiple devices drawing too much current. Check for any faulty appliances or wiring in the circuit that may be causing the overload and have a professional electrician investigate if needed.
Why do some lights go off in your house when you turn on too many appliances?
When you turn on too many appliances, the electrical circuit may become overloaded. This can cause a temporary increase in electrical resistance, leading to voltage drops and making some lights dim or flicker. The circuit breaker or fuse may also trip as a safety measure to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
