A technician is installing a 20A, 120V general-purpose branch circuit for a dwelling unit. The circuit conductors are 12 AWG copper. What is the maximum number of 15A, 120V duplex receptacles that can be connected to this circuit, assuming no other loads?
- AUnlimited
- B8
- C10
- D12
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Unlimited
According to NEC 210.11(C)(1) and 210.52, there is no specific limit on the number of general-purpose receptacle outlets on a 15A or 20A branch circuit in a dwelling unit. The circuit must be designed to carry the connected load, and the number of receptacles is determined by practical considerations of load distribution and future use, not a fixed NEC maximum. The common practice of using 1.5A per receptacle for load calculation is for service/feeder calculations (NEC 220.14(I)), not for limiting the number of receptacles on a branch circuit. For dwelling unit general-purpose branch circuits, the NEC does not specify a maximum number of receptacles.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is a common misconception, but not an NEC requirement for dwelling unit general-purpose circuits.
- C. This is a common misconception, but not an NEC requirement for dwelling unit general-purpose circuits.
- D. This is a common misconception, but not an NEC requirement for dwelling unit general-purpose circuits.
Dwelling Unit General-Purpose Receptacles
Receptacle outlets in dwelling units that are not designated for specific loads (e.g., kitchen small appliances, laundry) and are not limited in quantity by the NEC.
- No specific NEC limit on number of receptacles per general-purpose circuit.
- Load calculations for services/feeders include an assumed load per receptacle (NEC 220.14(I)).
- Practical considerations (voltage drop, future use) dictate design limits.
Memory trick: General-purpose receptacles are like 'open seats' in a dwelling; fill them as needed, not to a fixed count.