CSLB C-10 Electrical ContractorPlanning and EstimatingEasy
An electrician is installing a new 120V, 20A general-purpose receptacle branch circuit in a commercial office. The circuit will consist of 10 duplex receptacles. According to the NEC, what is the minimum calculated load for these receptacles for the purpose of service or feeder calculations?
- A180 VA
- B2000 VA
- C2400 VA
- D1800 VA
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 1800 VA
For general-purpose receptacles in a commercial occupancy, the NEC requires a minimum load of 180 VA per outlet. For 10 duplex receptacles, this is 10 outlets * 180 VA/outlet = 1800 VA.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. This is the load for one outlet.
- B. Incorrect. This value is not derived from the NEC per-outlet load.
- C. Incorrect. This does not follow the NEC's per-outlet load calculation.
General-Purpose Receptacle Load (Commercial)
The minimum VA load assigned to each general-purpose receptacle outlet in commercial occupancies for the purpose of calculating feeder and service loads, as specified by NEC Article 220.
- 180 VA per single or multiple receptacle on one yoke.
- Applies to general-purpose receptacles, not dedicated ones.
- Used in feeder/service calculations before demand factors.
Memory trick: Commercial outlets: '180' VA is the 'MIN'imum 'LOAD'.