Article 210 Branch Circuits

March, 2000
Tip #35 Overcurrent Protection [210-20]
Branch circuit overcurrent protection devices must be sized no less than 125 percent of the
continuous loads, plus 100 percent of the noncontinuous loads; see Section 210-19(a) for branch
circuit conductor size for continuous loads.
Tip #36 Outlet Device Rating [210-21]
Receptacle and lighting outlet devices shall have an ampere rating not less than the load and shall
comply with (a) and (b).
(a) Lampholder Ratings. Lampholders connected to a branch circuit with a rating over 20 ampere
shall be of the heavy-duty type.
WARNING: Lampholders used for fluorescent lamps are not rated heavy duty; therefore,
fluorescent lighting fixtures cannot be installed on circuits rated over 20 ampere.
(b) Receptacle Ratings and Loadings.
(1) Single Receptacle. A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an
ampacity not less than the rating of the overcurrent protection device. A single receptacle is one
receptacle on a strap or yoke. A duplex receptacle is a multioutlet receptacle; see Article 100.
(2) Multiple Receptacle Loading. Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more
receptacles or outlets, receptacles must have the load limited to 80 percent of the receptacle
rating, according Table 210-21(b)(2).
(3) Multiple Receptacle Rating. When two or more receptacles are on a single branch circuit, the
receptacles must be rated and installed on a circuit in accordance with Table 210-21(b)(3).
Tip #37 Common Area Branch Circuits [210-25]
Branch circuits in a dwelling unit are only permitted to supply only loads within or associated
with the dwelling unit.
Branch circuits for lighting, central alarm, signal, fire alarm, communications, or other needs for
public safety shall not originate from a dwelling unit panelboard. This rule reduces the likelihood
of the safety circuits being turned off by tenants, or of loss of power due to nonpayment of
electric bills.
Note: This Section is not intended to prevent the dwelling unit panelboard from supplying
circuits in locker, laundry, or garage facilities that are not safety-related.

Tip #38 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlet Requirements [210-52(a)]

(a) Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlet Placement. A receptacle shall be installed in every kitchen,
family room, dining room, living room, parlor, libraries, den, sun room, bedroom, recreation
rooms, and other similar rooms or areas according to (1) through (3).
(1) Spacing. A receptacle outlet must be installed so that no point along the wall space will be
more than 6 feet (measured horizontally) from a receptacle outlet.
(2) Wall Space. Wall space is considered walls, fixed exterior glass, bar-counter and railing that
are at least 2 feet long, unbroken along the floor line by doors or fireplaces. Sliding glass doors
on exterior walls are not considered wall space.
The purpose of this rule in the placement of receptacles is to avoid the use of extension cords
across openings such as doors.
Spacing of Receptacles. Receptacle outlets must be equally spaced where practical.
Floor Outlets. Floor outlets located within 18 inches of the wall are considered to meet the
requirements of this Section.
Receptacles Not Counted. Receptacle outlets that are part of a lighting fixture or appliance,
located inside cabinets, or located over 5 feet above the floor, shall not be used to meet the
requirements of this Section.
Two or more small appliance branch circuits shall be required to supply receptacle outlets in the
kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room area. However, a receptacle for refrigeration
equipment can be on the small appliance branch circuit.
The small appliance circuit cannot supply appliances such as disposals, dishwashers, hood fans,
or lighting outlets.
Not Supply Other Outlets. The two 20 ampere small appliance circuits required in Section 21011(c)(1) for these areas cannot supply any other outlet(s). This means that the kitchen light
cannot be connected to the small appliance receptacle circuit.
Exception No. 1: Clock Outlet. A receptacle solely for an electric clock can be connected to the
small appliance circuit, Fig. 5-31.
Exception No. 2: Gas Fired Appliances. Receptacles for supplemental equipment and lighting on
gas-fired ranges, ovens, or counter-mounted cooking units can be connected to the small
appliance circuit, Fig. 5-31.
Tip #40 Dwelling Unit Kitchen Counter Top Receptacle Outlet [210-52(c)]

Kitchen Countertop Receptacles, Two Circuits Required. 125 volt, 15, or 20 ampere receptacles
used for countertop surface appliances in a dwelling unit kitchen must be supplied by at least two
20 ampere circuits [210-11(c)(1) and 220-16(a)]. These small appliance branch circuits can
supply receptacles in the kitchen as well as the pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or other
similar areas where food is likely to be served.
Kitchen and Dining Countertop Receptacle Location. In kitchens and dining rooms of dwelling
units, receptacle outlets for counter spaces shall be installed according to (1) through (5) below.
GFCI protection is required for all 125 volt, 15, and 20 ampere receptacles that supply kitchen
countertop surfaces [210-8(a)(6)].
(1) Wall Counter Space. A receptacle outlet must be installed for every kitchen and dining area
counter wall space 12 inches or wider. Receptacles must be installed so that no point along the
counter wall space is more than 2 feet (measured horizontally) from a receptacle outlet.
(2) Island Countertop Space. This Section mandates only one receptacle outlet to be installed at
each island countertop that has a long dimension of 24 inches or greater, and a short dimension
of 12 inches or greater.
(3) Peninsular Countertop Space. This Section mandates only one receptacle outlet to be installed
at each peninsular countertop that has a long dimension of 24 inches or greater, and a short
dimension of 12 inches or greater.
(4) Separate Spaces. When breaks occur in countertop spaces (ranges, refrigerators, sinks, etc.),
each countertop surface is considered a separate counter for determining receptacle placement.
(5) Receptacle Outlet Location. Receptacle outlets shall be located above the countertop, but not
more than 18 inches from the countertop surface. Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up
position in the work surfaces or countertops and they must not be located on the sides of
cabinets.
Receptacles that are rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, or
appliances in dedicated spaces (dishwasher, microwave, etc.), are not considered meeting the
receptacle outlets as required by this Section.
Exception. The receptacle outlet required for the countertop can be installed below the
countertop where necessary for the physically impaired or where there is no wall space above the
island or peninsular counter. The receptacle must be located not more than 12 inches below the
countertop surface and it cannot extends more than 6 inches measured horizontally from the
counters edge.
Tip #41 Dwelling Bathroom Receptacle Outlet [210-52(d)]
At least one receptacle outlet must be installed within 36 inches of the outside edge of each basin
and the receptacle shall be located on a wall that is adjacent to the basin location. This rule

insures that a receptacle is located next to each basin to keep equipment cords from being draped
across a sink.
Note: One receptacle outlet can be used between two basins, if the receptacle is located within 36
inches of the outside edge of each basin.
Tip #42 Dwelling Unit Outside Receptacle Outlet [210-52(e)]
One-Family Dwelling Unit. Two receptacle outlets shall be installed not more than 6feet above
grade, one at the front, and one at the back of the one-family dwelling. GFCI protection is
required for these receptacles [210-8(a)(3)].
Two-Family Dwelling Unit. Each grade level unit of a two-family dwelling must have two
receptacles outlets installed not more than 6 feet, 6 inches above grade, one at the front and one
at the back of each dwelling unit at grade level. GFCI protection is required for these receptacles
as well [210-8(a)(3)].
Note: This Section does not require a receptacle outlet to be installed for dwelling units in a
multifamily dwelling building. However, if a receptacle outlet is installed outdoors of a dwelling
unit in a multifamily dwelling it must be GFCI protected [210-8(a)(3)].
Tip #43 Dwelling Unit Laundry Area Receptacle Outlet [210-52(f)]
All dwelling units shall have at least one 20 ampere receptacle for the laundry area receptacles.
The Code does not require a separate circuit for the washing machine but it does require a
separate 20 ampere circuit for the laundry receptacle outlet(s) [210-11(c)(2)].
Exception No. 1: Multifamily Building. If in a multifamily building laundry facilities are
available to all building occupants, than a laundry circuit is not required to be installed in each of
the dwelling units.
Tip #44 Dwelling Unit Basement and Garage Receptacle Outlet [210-52(g)]
Basement Receptacles. For a one-family dwelling, at least one 125 volt, 15, or 20 ampere
receptacle outlet, in addition to any provided for laundry equipment, shall be installed in each
basement. Where a portion of the basement is finished into a habitable room(s), a 125 volt, 15, or
20 ampere receptacle outlet shall be installed in the unfinished portion of the basement.
Note: Section 210-8(a)(5) requires 125 volt, 15, or 20 ampere receptacles installed in the area of
a basement not intended as a habitable room to be GFCI protected. The combination of Section
210-52(g) and 210-8(a)(5) insures that the unfinished portion of a basement has one GFCI
protected 125 volt, 15, or 20 ampere receptacle outlet, even if a portion of the basement is
finished into a habitable room(s). This prevents an extension cord from a non-GFCI protected
receptacle to supply power to loads in the unfinished portion of the basement.

Garage Receptacles. At least one receptacle outlet must be installed at each dwelling unit garage
with electric power. Section 210-8(a)(2) requires 125 volt, 15, or 20 ampere receptacles installed
in the garage to be GFCI protected.
Note: The laundry outlet required in Section 210-52(f) is not permitted to satisfy the receptacle
outlet requirement for either the basement or garage.
Tip #45 Dwelling Unit Hallway Receptacle Outlet [210-52(h)]
One receptacle outlet shall be installed for each hallway*.
*Hallway. A hallway is a corridor that is at least 10 feet long measured along the centerline of the
hall without passing through a doorway.
Tip #46 Receptacles in Guestroom for Hotels and Motels [210-60]
Receptacle Requirements. Guest rooms in hotels, motels, and similar occupancies shall have
receptacle outlets installed in accordance with Section 210-52, such as:
Number of Receptacles. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the floor line
in any wall space is more than 6 feet, measured horizontally, from an outlet in that space,
including any wall space 2 feet or more in width [210-52(a)].
Bathroom Receptacles. A receptacle outlet shall be installed within 36 inches of the outside edge
of each basin supplied by a 20 ampere branch circuit [210-52(d)].
Receptacle Placement. The total number of receptacle outlets shall not be less than the minimum
number that would comply with the provisions of Section 210-52(a). However, the receptacle
outlets can be located so as to be convenient for permanent furniture layout, but at least two
receptacle outlets shall be readily accessible to eliminate the need for extension cords by guests
for ironing, computers, refrigerators, etc. Receptacles installed behind a bed must be located so
that the bed does not make contact with the attachment plug, or the receptacle must be provided
with a suitable protective guard.
Tip #47 Receptacles for Rooftop, Attic, and Crawl Spaces [210-63]
Heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration equipment located on roof tops, or in attics and crawl
spaces, shall have a 125 volt, 15 or 20 ampere receptacle outlet for servicing the equipment. The
receptacle shall be installed at an accessible location within 25 feet of the equipment.
Receptacles located on the roof must be GFCI protected [210-8(b)(2)] and must not be connected
to the load side of the equipment disconnect. See Section 210-70 for the requirement of a
lighting outlet for equipment requiring service.
Exception. Receptacle outlets are not required for rooftop equipment in one- and two-family
dwellings.

Tip #48 Lighting Outlets Requirements [210-70(a)]

Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every
habitable room and bathroom.
Exception No. 1: Switched Receptacles. In other than kitchens and bathrooms, a receptacle
controlled by a wall switch can be used instead of a lighting outlet.
Exception No. 2: Occupancy Sensors. Occupancy sensors integral with the wall switch, if a
manual override is included can control lighting outlets.
Other Locations. At least one wall-switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in
bathrooms, hallways, stairways, attached garages, detached garages with electric power, and
illumination must be provided on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits that have grade
level access. A vehicle door (garage door) in an attached garage is not considered an outdoor
entrance.
Note: The Code contains the requirement for the location of the lighting outlet, but does not
specify the switch location. Naturally, you would not want to install the switch intentionally
behind a door or other inconvenient location. However, the Code does not require the switch to
accommodate the swing of the door, Fig. 5-38.
Interior Stairways. When the difference between floor levels is six steps or more, 3-way and 4way wall switches are required to control the lighting outlet for the interior stairways. Long pull
chains will not meet Code requirements.
Note: It is not the intent to require 3-way switches for basements that are dead-ended when you
must return to the same location you entered.
Exception: Remote or Automatic Controls. In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances,
remote, central, or automatic control of the lighting outlet is permitted, Fig. 5-39.
Storage and Equipment Rooms. Areas used for storage, or containing equipment requiring
servicing, such as attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, must have a lighting
outlet located near the equipment. The lighting outlet must contain a switch (pull chain fixture)
or be controlled by a switch that is located near the point of entry to the attic, underfloor space,
utility room, or basement, Fig. 5-40.
Tip #48 Commercial Attic and Underfloor Space Lighting Outlets Requirements [210-70(c)]
Attics and underfloor spaces containing equipment requiring servicing must have a lighting
outlet located near the equipment. The lighting outlet must be controlled by a wall switch
installed at or near the point of entrance to the attic or underfloor space.
http://www.mikeholt.com/news/archive/html/master/codetip1999-5.htm

220.14 Other LoadsAll Occupancies

Article 220 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) contains requirements for calculating branch-circuit, feeder and
service loads. Knowing where to find load-calculation requirements is only the first step in determining conductor
sizes and ratings for overcurrent protective devices. While some provisions in Article 220 are understandable and
self-explanatory, others are somewhat difficult to comprehend and require some effort and research. One handy tool
can be found in the back of the Code. Annex D contains examples of load calculations. It is not a part of the
requirements of the NEC, but is included for informational purposes only (prior to the 1999 edition of the NEC,
these examples were in Chapter 9).
Part I of Article 220 contains general requirements for calculation procedures. Part II provides calculation provisions
for branch circuits. Feeder and service calculation requirements are in Parts III and IV. And finally, Part V contains
requirements for farms. Knowing what to do with the calculation results is another step. Provisions from other
articles will provide additional specifications in determining conductor sizes and overcurrent protective device
ratings. To determine conductor sizes for branch circuits, refer to 210.19. Specifications for branch-circuit
overcurrent protection are in 210.20. Last months column covered receptacle outlets in 220.14(I). This month, the
discussion continues with more requirements for general-use receptacles and outlets not used for general
illumination.
Load calculations for receptacle outlets are covered in 220.14(I), (J) and (K). Section 220.14(I) covers all receptacle
outlets except for receptacles in dwellings, banks and office buildings. In one-family, two-family and multifamily
dwellings, the outlets specified in 220.14(J)(1) through (J)(3) are included in the general lighting-load calculations
of 220.12. No additional load calculation is required for receptacle outlets covered in 220.14(J).
All general-use receptacle outlets of 15- and 20-ampere ratings installed in dwellings are included as a part of the
general lighting-load calculations. For example, a living room in a dwelling has receptacles installed in accordance
with 210.52. Because of the rooms dimensions and layout, six receptacle outlets are required. Unlike receptacles
installed in non-dwelling occupancies that must be calculated at 180 volt-amperes each, it is not necessary to include
any additional load for these dwelling receptacles (see Figure 1). The general lighting load must be calculated in
accordance with 220.12 and Table 220.12.
The outlets specified in 220.14(J)(1) through (J)(3) include the following:
All general-use outlets of 20-ampere rating or less, including receptacles connected to 20-ampere bathroom
branch circuits as specified in 210.11(C)(3).
Receptacles installed outdoors, as specified in 210.52(E), and basement and garage receptacle outlets, as specified
in 210.52(G). [220.14(J)(1)]
Lighting outlets in dwelling units, as specified in 210.70(A), and guest rooms or guest suites in hotels, motels or
similar occupancies, as specified in 210.70(B). [220.14(J)(2)]
These receptacle and lighting outlets are included in the general lighting-load calculation of 220.12. [220.14(J)(3)]

The load calculation does not change when the number of receptacle outlets, specified in 220.14(J)(1) through (J)(3),
is more than the required minimum. For example, another living room, identical to the one in Figure 1, contains
twice the number of required receptacle outlets. The load for this living room is calculated exactly the same as the
load for the living room in Figure 1 (see Figure 2).
The minimum number of 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits in dwellings for lighting and general-use receptacle
outlets depends on the floor area. After finding the general lighting load in accordance with Table 220.12, divide by
the voltage of a general-purpose branch circuit (typically 120 volts). The result (in amperes) can then be divided by

either 15- or 20-ampere branch circuits. For example, a dwelling unit has outside dimensions of 55 feet by 35 feet.
To find the general lighting load, the outside dimensions must be multiplied by a unit load of 3 volt-amperes per
square foot. The minimum lighting load for this dwelling is 5,775 volt-amperes (55 x 35 x 3 = 5,775). With a voltage
of 120/240, the general lighting load is 48 amperes (5,775 120 = 48). To find the minimum number of 15-amperes,
2-wire circuits, divide 48 by 15 (48 15 = 3.2 = 4). Because this result is three and two-tenths circuits, the number
must be rounded up. At least four 15-amperes, 2-wire circuits are required (see Figure 3).
Calculate the minimum number of 20-ampere general-purpose branch circuits the same. For example, a dwelling
unit has outside dimensions of 55 feet by 35 feet. Since this dwelling is the same as the one in Figure 3, the general
lighting load is the same (48 amperes). To find the minimum number of 20-amperes, 2-wire circuits for lighting and
general-use receptacles, divide 48 by 20 (48 20 = 2.4 = 3). The minimum number of 20-ampere, 2-wire generalpurpose branch circuits for lighting and receptacles in this dwelling is three. Be careful when calculating the
minimum number of 20-ampere branch circuits. At least one 20-ampere laundry circuit and at least two 20-ampere
small-appliance branch circuits are required. While the bathroom branch circuit supplying receptacle outlets must be
rated 20 amperes, no additional load calculation is required (see Figure 4). Load calculations for small-appliance and
laundry branch circuits are covered in 220.52 and will be discussed later in this load-calculation series. Caution is
advised when installing receptacles on branch circuits in dwellings. Local jurisdictions could limit the number of
receptacle outlets permitted on 15- and 20-ampere, general-purpose branch circuits.
Although not mentioned before Part VIII of Branch-Circuit, Feeder and Service Calculations, there are areas in
another occupancy covered in 220.14(J) besides one-family, two-family and multifamily dwellings. In guest rooms
or guest suites of hotels and motels, the outlets specified in 220.14(J)(1), (J)(2), and (J)(3) are also included in the
general lighting-load calculations of 220.12. Therefore, no additional load calculation is required for these receptacle
outlets also (see Figure 5). The unit load for general lighting in for hotels and motels is 2 volt-amperes per square
foot (Table 220.12).

NEC Requirements for Installing Receptacles in Your Home

April 27, 2006
Requirements for the placement of receptacle outlets for dwelling units are covered in 210.52(A)
through (H). These general provisions apply to most of the rooms inside dwelling units. In every
kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, parlor, library, den, sunroom, bedroom,
recreation room or similar room or area of dwelling units, receptacle outlets must be installed in
accordance with the general provisions specified in 210.52(A)(1) through (3). Within these
rooms or areas, receptacle placement is determined by wall space.
A diversity of names for similar rooms and areas may appear on blueprints, especially in larger
houses. Various other names not specifically mentioned in this section of the Code include:
sitting room (area), great room, bonus room, Florida room, morning room, keeping room,
breakfast nook (area), study, office, media room, loft, studio and play (game) room. Other names,
besides the ones mentioned here, may also be seen on blueprints. If there is any question about
whether or not the general receptacle provisions are applicable in a room or area not mentioned
above, consult the local authority having jurisdiction.
Certain rooms or areas in dwelling units not covered by the general provisions include
bathrooms, laundry areas, basements, garages, hallways, outdoors and kitchen countertop
surfaces. Each of these rooms or areas must comply with specific receptacle requirements listed
in 210.52(C) through (H).

Although this list includes basements, the general provisions are applicable to any part of a
basement containing habitable rooms, such as a den, recreational room, play (game) room, etc.
One location not mentioned is closets. Although receptacle outlets within closets are permitted,
they are not required.
210.52(A)(1) Spacing
The amount of wall space determines the minimum number of receptacle outlets in a given
dwelling. Wall space is measured horizontally along the floor line. Although the Code spells out
requirements for the minimum number of receptacles in a dwelling, it does not limit the number
of receptacle outlets.
Receptacles must be installed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line in any
wall space is more than 6 feet or 1.8 meters from an outlet in that space. Following the floor line
from a doorway, fireplace or similar opening, the maximum distance to a receptacle is 6 feet (1.8
meters). Sometimes this requirement is known as the 6-foot rule.
Since the maximum distance to a receptacle is 6 feet (1.8 meters), the maximum distance
between two receptacles is doubled. Therefore, the maximum distance between receptacles is 12
feet (3.6 meters).
An easy way to understand and remember the placement of receptacles in dwellings is to
imagine having a floor lamp with a 6-foot cord. Anywhere this lamp is placed around the wall, a
receptacle should be within reach (unless the space is less than 24 inches wide). No extension
should be required to supply power to this lamp.
Since a receptacle is required within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of a door opening, if the lamp is placed
next to the opening, a receptacle will be within reach. Unless the wall is less than 2 feet wide, the
6-foot rule is applicable.
210.52(A)(2) Wall Space
This section contains three sentences that clarify the term wall space. As used in this section, a
wall space is any space that is 2 feet (600 mm) or more in width. [210.52(A)(2)(1)] This
provision is straightforward. If the space is less than 2 feet (600 mms) wide, it is not considered
wall space; therefore no receptacle is required. If the space is 2 feet (600 mm) or more in width,
then it is considered wall space, and consequently a receptacle outlet is required.
For example, two bedrooms located in a dwelling unit are almost identical. In each room, a small
wall space is located between the entry door and the closet door. The wall space between the
doors in the first room measures exactly 2 feet (600 mm) wide. Since this rooms space measures
2 feet (600 mm), a receptacle outlet is required.
The wall space between the doors in the second room is only 23 inches in width. In this room, no
receptacle is required.

Although receptacles are permitted in a space less than 2 feet (600 mm) wide, they are not
required.
Note: Since these receptacles are located in bedrooms, they must be arc-fault protected. All
branch circuits supplying 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere outlets installed in dwelling
unit bedrooms must be protected by an arc-fault circuit interrupter listed to provide protection of
the entire branch circuit.
Wall space includes the space measured around corners, regardless of whether the corner is an
inside or outside corner. The wall space continues unless broken by a doorway, fireplace or
similar opening.
The space occupied by fixed panels (in exterior walls) is considered wall space and must be
included when determining the minimum number of receptacle outlets. Sliding panels, also in
exterior walls, are treated like doorways. Therefore, the space in front of sliding panels is not
counted as wall space. Even if a window is designed to resemble a door, the space must be
counted as wall space.
For example, a dwelling units back door is a glass panel door. A window, located on each side of
the door, is almost identical to the door. Since the windows are fixed and do not open, the space
they occupy must be counted as wall space. The space in front of windows extending from
ceiling to floor must also be counted. For example, a sunroom is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling
windows.
Although there is virtually no wall space in the sunroom, receptacle outlets must still be installed
in accordance with the general provisions. Floor receptacles can be installed if they are located
within 18 inches (450 mm) of the wall.
Sliding glass doors contain fixed and sliding panels. Most sliding glass doors are comprised of
two panels, one fixed and one sliding. While it is not necessary to count the space in front of the
sliding panel, it is necessary to count the space in front of the fixed panel.

How Many Receptacles Are Allowed On A 20 Amp Circuit?

March 22, 2006
Q: According to the National Electrical Code, 10 receptacles are permitted on a 15A branch
circuit and 13 are permitted on a 20A branch circuit in commercial buildings. How many
receptacles are permitted on a 20A branch circuit in a single family home?
A: There is no limit to the number of receptacles permitted on a 20A branch circuit in a single
family home. For other than dwelling units, part (a) of 220.3(B) requires that each single or
multiple receptacle on the same yoke be calculated as a load of 180VA, or a receptacle outlet that
has four or more receptacles be counted at 90VA for each receptacle. Using this load of 180VA
for each single or duplex receptacles allows 10 receptacles on a 15A branch circuit and 13 on a
20A branch circuit.

In residential occupancies receptacles are required to be spaced at fixed intervals; this is not the
case for commercial occupancies. In commercial, industrial, institutional, etc. occupancies
receptacles are generally located only where required to supply cord-and-plug connected loads.
For this reason, unit loads are assigned to receptacles in other than residential occupancies. The
Code mandates spacing of receptacles in dwelling units to provide flexibility in the use of table
lamps, floor lamps and other appliances and to reduce the use of exterior cords; not because there
will be loads plugged into every receptacle.
In all occupancies 210.11 requires an adequate number of branch circuits for the calculated
loads. And 210.11(B) require that the calculated load be evenly divided among the branch
circuits.
Some inspection authorities have local laws or ordinances that limit the number of receptacle
outlets on 15 and 20A branch circuits in residences. I am not in favor of such a regulation, but
you should be aware of such a restriction if one exists.