How many outlets can there be on one 20 amp circuit?

Answer 1

19 - 20 amps is too much. 16 amps is the maximum safe load for a circuit protected by a 20 amp breaker. Of course, its all safe, since the breaker will trip to prevent an overload from starting a fire. But current above 16 amps will eventually (sometimes after several hours even) trip the breaker.

Answer 2

Kitchens tend to have a number of higher amperage appliances so you don't want to use the rule of thumb which would be 8 per 20A circuit. One typical trick would be a separate 20A circuit for things like microwaves or toaster ovens and then stagger several circuits along back-splash areas so you can easily reach a separate circuit if you have a number of appliances in the same area. You should always have separate circuits for major appliances like refrigerators and dish washers.

According to the National Electrical Code book (NEC) each receptacle is calculated at 180 VA. A 20A circuit at 120V would be 2400 VA. Divide 2400 VA by 180 VA = 13.33 receptacles per 20a circuit (13 receptacles), but the above poster is correct in saying that the more circuits in a kitchen the better. The NEC requires at least two small appliance branch circuits in a kitchen.

Answer 3

Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.The number of outlets on a 20A circuit will vary depending on intended usage.

For example in a kitchen where there are lots of appliances you may have some dedicated outlets for the refrigerator, one for microwave, etc.

You may also have some general purpose outlets around the counter top and stagger them so that alternating outlets are from each of two different 20 A circuits.

For places like general purpose use in a living room or bedroom you may have 8 outlets on a circuit. As a rule of thumb I would never put more than 8.

A different opinion

In a home or other in a residential setting there are no limitations on the number of outlets that can be placed on a circuit. However such circuits should be laid out to cover no more than 500 square feet in area.

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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.

Outlets don't take up any amperage, just the things plugged into them, though, there may be rules by the local government as to the number of outlets.
Nominally 8 to 10 in a typical application for general residential use. If you know the loads that are planned take 80% of 20 amps = 16 amps and only install enough outlets to service your known loads.

I'm not disagreeing with the previous answer as good rule of thumb, but the NEC allows 13 receptacles on a 20 amp circuit in commercial or industrial installations. There is no limit in residential installations because it is simply an absurd consideration that you would have that many on a circuit.
8 to 10. Local norms may vary. If you have dedicated appliances you would only want a single appliance on a circuit.

The National Electrical Code considers each strap with 1, 2, or 3 receptacles on it (single, duplex, or triplex receptacle) at 180 VA.

120 volts x 20 amps = 2400 VA

2400 VA / 180 VA = 13.333 receptacles

You can install 13 receptacles on a 20 amp circuit.

Answer 4

In a residential setting, you can have multiple outlets on a 20 amp circuit. However, the National Electrical Code recommends a maximum of 10 outlets on a 20 amp circuit to prevent overloading. It's important to consult a qualified electrician to ensure the circuit can handle the load.

Answer 5

Could you clarify the question please.

You can't just upgrade the breaker. Its calculated on wire size and other things. You'll have to run different wire if you want to up your amps.

Answer 6

AWG # 12