CSLB C-10 Electrical ContractorPlanning and EstimatingMedium
A client requests a material takeoff for a new 120V, 20A general-purpose branch circuit. The circuit will primarily serve wall receptacles in a typical residential living room. According to NEC general provisions, what is the minimum load (in VA) that must be allocated for each general-purpose receptacle for calculation purposes, if no specific appliance is connected?
- A240 VA
- B100 VA
- C200 VA
- D180 VA
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 180 VA
According to NEC 220.14(I), for receptacle outlets not identified for a specific load, a general load of 180 VA per outlet (or single receptacle) must be used for calculations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 240 VA is too high and not an NEC standard for this application.
- B. 100 VA is too low for a general-purpose receptacle load calculation.
- C. 200 VA is not a standard NEC value for general-purpose receptacles.
General-Purpose Receptacle Load
A standardized VA value assigned to each general-purpose receptacle outlet for load calculation purposes, ensuring adequate circuit capacity.
- NEC 220.14(I) specifies 180 VA per single or multiple receptacle on a single yoke.
- This value is used when the actual load is unknown or for general branch circuit calculations.
- It helps prevent circuit overloading by providing a baseline load assumption.
Memory trick: Receptacle loads: 'Every' outlet 'Adds' a 'Standard' amount.