New York State Master Electrician Practice Exam

For laundry outlets in a dwelling unit, how many 20A branch circuits are required?

1. One

2. Two

3. Three

4. Four

The correct answer is: One

In a dwelling unit, the requirements for laundry outlets are specified by the National Electrical Code (NEC). According to the NEC, a single 20A branch circuit is required to supply the laundry area, which encompasses the necessary outlets for the washer and any other appliances typically found in that vicinity. A single 20A circuit is designed to handle the loads of a residential washer and any additional small appliances you might find in a laundry area, such as a dryer or a small chest freezer. This is sufficient for the standard usage expected in most residential settings. More circuits may be used for multiple laundry appliances or for increased load requirements, but the minimum requirement established by code is one dedicated 20A circuit. This design approach also simplifies wiring and ensures compliance with safety standards without overcomplicating the system. Thus, the answer indicating one 20A branch circuit aligns with the regulatory guidelines set forth in the NEC for laundry outlet requirements in a dwelling unit.