New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

For a 20A circuit, what is the maximum number of receptacles recommended?

1. 8 receptacles

2. 10 receptacles

3. 12 receptacles

4. 14 receptacles

The correct answer is: 10 receptacles

The maximum number of receptacles recommended for a 20A circuit is determined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which suggest that for a typical general-purpose 15A or 20A circuit, you can have up to 10 receptacles. This recommendation is based on the assumption that these receptacles will be used for low to moderate power devices, where the load is not exceeding the circuit's capacity. Generally, the reasoning is to ensure that the total load on the circuit does not exceed 80% of its capacity continuously, which means a 20A circuit should not regularly draw more than 16A. Since most common devices plugged into these receptacles (such as lamps, televisions, and computers) do not usually exceed the standard 15A load, having up to 10 receptacles allows for ample outlet availability while maintaining safety. While there are higher limits mentioned in various codes, they tend to apply under specific circumstances or for different types of loads. Therefore, keeping to the 10 receptacle guideline ensures adherence to proper safety practices and energy management.