Journeyman Electrician Exam (NEC)Equipment and DevicesMedium
A journeyman electrician is installing a 20-ampere branch circuit for general-purpose receptacles in a new dwelling unit garage. How many such branch circuits are minimally required for this garage by the NEC?
- AOne 15-ampere circuit
- BTwo 20-ampere circuits
- COne 20-ampere circuit
- DNo dedicated circuits are required
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. One 20-ampere circuit
According to NEC Section 210.11(C)(4), at least one 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit shall be installed to supply the receptacle outlets in attached garages and in detached garages with electric power. This circuit shall have no other outlets.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A 15-ampere circuit is not permitted; it must be 20-ampere.
- B. While more circuits are permissible, only one 20-ampere circuit is minimally required by the NEC.
- D. Dedicated circuits are explicitly required for garage receptacles by the NEC.
Garage Receptacle Circuits
Specific requirements in the NEC for dedicated 20-ampere branch circuits to serve receptacle outlets in dwelling unit garages (attached or detached with power), ensuring adequate capacity and safety.
- At least one 120-volt, 20-ampere circuit is required.
- This circuit must not supply any other outlets (dedicated).
- Applies to attached garages and detached garages with electric power.
Memory trick: Garage outlets need one strong circuit, 20 amps, no tricks!