Circuit capacity

jonjo · 10-30-2006, 09:34 PM

What is the rule of thumb for determining how many wall outlets you can safely put on a new 15a breaker or 20a breaker?
Assume that these will be used for lighting and not kitchen appliances or other "equipment".
In other words, how many watts should you calculate for each outlet when figuring breaker load capacity?

mdshunk · 10-30-2006, 09:54 PM

For residential work, there is no limit. For commercial work, you calculate 180VA per duplex. You can use that if you feel you must.

joed · 10-31-2006, 05:19 PM

In Canada the limit is 12 not matter if it is 15 or 20 amp circuit.

AlbrightPM · 10-31-2006, 10:00 PM

I was always told it was (7) 20A recept's per 20A breaker. I don't think its a code issue for residential, but most commercial applications have a limit.

I always be sure that the kitchen is well powered (multiple circuits) as well as a home office or den (computers, home entertainment, etc).

steve

mdshunk · 11-01-2006, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlbrightPM

I was always told it was (7) 20A recept's per 20A breaker.

Never believe what someone told you. I'm pretty sure ever bedroom in my house combined has a total receptacle load of maybe 2 amps, and there's probably 30 receptacles in total.

10-30-2006, 09:34 PM	#1
jonjo Newbie Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1	Circuit capacity What is the rule of thumb for determining how many wall outlets you can safely put on a new 15a breaker or 20a breaker? Assume that these will be used for lighting and not kitchen appliances or other "equipment". In other words, how many watts should you calculate for each outlet when figuring breaker load capacity?

10-30-2006, 09:54 PM	#2
mdshunk World famous jerk. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: central PA Posts: 440	Circuit capacity For residential work, there is no limit. For commercial work, you calculate 180VA per duplex. You can use that if you feel you must.

10-31-2006, 05:19 PM	#3
joed Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Welland, Ontario Posts: 6,101	Circuit capacity In Canada the limit is 12 not matter if it is 15 or 20 amp circuit.

10-31-2006, 10:00 PM	#4
AlbrightPM Property Manager/Landlord Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 43	Circuit capacity I was always told it was (7) 20A recept's per 20A breaker. I don't think its a code issue for residential, but most commercial applications have a limit. I always be sure that the kitchen is well powered (multiple circuits) as well as a home office or den (computers, home entertainment, etc). steve

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Circuit capacity