how many general purpose outlets can you put on a 15 amp. breaker?

Answer 1

The maximum number of outlets intended for receptacles allowed on a branch circuit regardless of amperage is 12.

Answer 2

I don't think there is an actual rule on this one, but you could put 8 outlets on a 15 amp circuit and 10 on a 20 amp, assuming a load of 180 VA each. This would load the circuit up to 80%, the maximum acceptable continuous load. Of course if you know exactly what you'll be plugging in you could always install a few more or a few less depending on your particular needs.

Answer 3

For residential work, the national electrical code has NO limit on the number of receptacles. Any numbers quoted by other answers are rules of thumb at best. The reason for no limit, is there is no load assigned to an individual receptacle, because it is just there to prevent use of extension cords. Most receptacles in a house are unused. The real limit to what a 15A breaker can serve in the NEC works out to 600 sq. ft of space. The load for general use receptacles in the NEC is combined with lighting and calculated at 3 VA per sq. ft.

Answer 4

Each device will have a current rating written on it somewhere.

When plugging in multiple devices add up all the current ratings making sure the total current does not exceed 15A.

Watch out for devices that may have a high starting current eg, fans, PC etc, as their initial current use can be a lot higher than it's nominal current use.

Answer 5

Outlets require a 20A breaker. 15A is for lighting. In California you can put 8 outlets on a 20A breaker.

Answer 6

Most approved extension cords with power strip and a 15A fuse have between 6 to max.8 oulets. One can use this as a "rule".

Answer 7

I would say it depends on how many of them you intend to use simultaneously and what the load on each outlet would be.