Maximum # of outlets

[Sean Fogarty]

In 2006 what was the maximum number of outlets allowed for 20A??

Not sure if they were going by 2005 rules or 2002

[James H. Bushart]

Is this a residential unit and are you referring to receptacles?

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by sfogarty

In 2006 what was the maximum number of outlets allowed for 20A??

Not sure if they were going by 2005 rules or 2002

As many as you want for a home.

Code - yes

Smart -no

[Sean Fogarty]

Yes residential, and let me rephrase. How many outlets (receptacles) are allowed on one branch circuit..
I know now it is 13, was it different for 2002 or 2005?

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by sfogarty

Yes residential, and let me rephrase. How many outlets (receptacles) are allowed on one branch circuit..
I know now it is 13, was it different for 2002 or 2005?

The actual number, by the 2005 NEC, calculates to be 12.77. Since 13 actually exceeds that number, some AHJs will limit it to 12 while others round up to 13...but applies it only to commercial, industrial, institutional and other non-residential installations. There is no mention of any limit to a residential installation.

In residential units, receptacles are required by number and spacing. Limits for residential units are arrived at through load calculations...not rule of thumb.

[Sean Fogarty]

Had a house with 16 today. All three upstairs bedrooms and the hall on one afci.. I thought it was wrong but did not know about earlier versions. I guess it would require a load calculation to verify. You usually dont see that many.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by sfogarty

Had a house with 16 today. All three upstairs bedrooms and the hall on one afci.. I thought it was wrong but did not know about earlier versions.

It is not wrong but Jim is.

His maximum only applies to commercial.

[David Hays]

Originally Posted by sfogarty

Had a house with 16 today. All three upstairs bedrooms and the hall on one afci.. I thought it was wrong but did not know about earlier versions.

Do you actually trace what outlets are on each circuit? If yes why? I'm not saying your wrong I'm just wondering.

[Sean Fogarty]

Originally Posted by dhays

Do you actually trace what outlets are on each circuit? If yes why? I'm not saying your wrong I'm just wondering.

The last thing I did was trip the afci. All three bedrooms and the hall went dead. Its simple counting then..

[Sean Fogarty]

Just talked to a buddy of mine here and our ahj does have residential requirements. The 2011 and newer will now only allow 8 instead of 12

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by sfogarty

Just talked to a buddy of mine here and our ahj does have residential requirements. The 2011 and newer will now only allow 8 instead of 12

Better check with the code book unless you plan to use the "buddy of mine" reference when challenged. The AHJ is not allowed to deviate from the code but perhaps your municipality or county has amended it. In either case, you should have the actual reference at your fingertips, IMO.

[Sean Fogarty]

He has been an electrical contractor for 30 years. I think I will go with what he says.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by sfogarty

He has been an electrical contractor for 30 years. I think I will go with what he says.

Even full time professional inspectors get this wrong.

[Joe Farsetta]

To my knowledge, in residential applications there is no actual limit on the number of receptacles connected in a brach circuit.

There is a minimum requirement, based on location in room, linear footage between receptacles, and usage (E.G.: dining room, kitchen, etc). Again, this is a MINIMUM requirement. Nothing about MAXIMUM.

The number of receptacles has no bearing on the branch circuit, as they are connected in parallel. Each device plugged in has a resistive value, when that when placed in parallel, lowers the overall resistance of the branch circuit, thusly increasing the amount of current flow through the entire circuit path.

Breakers trip thermally and magnetically. When the amount of current flow exceeds the breaker rating, it trips.

It doesnt matter if it's 2 devices, 10 devices, or a hundred.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

To my knowledge, in residential applications there is no actual limit on the number of receptacles connected in a brach circuit.

There is a minimum requirement, based on location in room, linear footage between receptacles, and usage (E.G.: dining room, kitchen, etc). Again, this is a MINIMUM requirement. Nothing about MAXIMUM.

The number of receptacles has no bearing on the branch circuit, as they are connected in parallel. Each device plugged in has a resistive value, when that when placed in parallel, lowers the overall resistance of the branch circuit, thusly increasing the amount of current flow through the entire circuit path.

Breakers trip thermally and magnetically. When the amount of current flow exceeds the breaker rating, it trips.
It doesnt matter if it's 2 devices, 10 devices, or a hundred.

Agreed. Residential placement and number has more to do with reducing the use of and need for extension cords and other potentially hazardous devices. You know...like the 30 foot long wall with no receptacles that some contractor with 30 years of electrical experience overlooked.