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Branch circuit loading In Canada the CEC states that there shall be not more than 12 outlets on any 2-wire branch circuit. These outlets shall be considered to be rated at not less than 1 amp per outlet

Where the connected load is known, the number of outlets shall be permitted to exceed 12, provided that the load current does not exceed 80% of the rating of the over current device protecting the circuit. For example on a 15 amp breaker, 15 x 80% = 12 amps, hence the standard of 12 outlets on any 2-wire branch circuit.


On a 20 amp breaker, 20 x 80% = 16 amps. So from a 20 amp breaker this allows 16 outlets on a 2-wire branch circuit as long as the outlets are not considered to be rated at less than 1 amp per outlet.


The definition of an outlet is a point in the wiring installation at which current is taken to supply utilisation equipment. What this means is that if a light switch and a fixture outlet were on the same 2-wire branch circuit they would be subtracted from the maximum count of 12 receptacle outlets on the circuit which would leave 10.


If the light fixture draws 3 amps plus the switch outlet, then the total circuit outlet count would be reduced to 8 receptacle outlets (12 – 3 – 1 = 8).


On a standard specification home most electricians will wire one circuit per room, the outlet count usually never reaches the maximum of 12 outlets.

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Can you replace a 20 amp circuit breaker with a 25 amp circuit breaker?

No. The breaker must protect the circuit components such as wiring, outlets and switches that are connected to the breaker. Therefore if you have a 30 amp circuit as dictated by its components you need to protect it with a 30 amp or less breaker.


Can a circuit breaker be tripped by using 20 amp sockets instead of 15 amp sockets?

A circuit breaker protects the wires that the devices are connected to. If the devices that are connected to the circuit are 20 amps the wire size should be #12 wire fed from a 20 amp breaker. This breaker should not trip unless the circuit is overloaded or a fault occurs on the circuit. If the devices that are connected to the circuit are15 amps the wire size should be #14 wire fed from a15 amp breaker. This breaker should not trip unless the circuit is overloaded or a fault occurs on the circuit. Putting 20 amp sockets on this 15 amp circuit will work but the circuit is limited to the amount of load that can be plugged in. You will not get the full capacity of the 20 socket because the breaker will trip at 15 amps.


Does square D make a circuit breaker with a 15 amp and 20 amp breaker in the same breaker?

No tandem breakers are of the same value.


What circuit is a microwave?

A dedicated 20 Amp circuit wired with 12/2 wiring an a 20 amp breaker.


Is a 40 amp circuit breaker ok for a 30 amp air conditioner?

No, it is not recommended to have a circuit breaker with a higher amperage rating than the device it is protecting. In this case, you should use a 30 amp circuit breaker for a 30 amp air conditioner to ensure proper protection from overcurrent.

Related Questions

New shop 20 amp circuit 32 amp fixture how many fixtures can be put on circuit?

A 32 amp fixture can not be fed from a 20 amp breaker as the breaker will trip every time.


How many ampacity rating do a circuit breaker need for the general purpose circuit?

Usually a 15 or 20 amp breaker is sufficient


How do you turn a 30 amp circuit into a 15 amp cicuit?

Replace the 30 Amp Breaker with a 15 Amp breaker.


Can you upgrade a 15 Amps circuit breaker for a 40 Amp for a 8.5 Watt shower?

Not unless you change the wiring for that circuit. The breaker protects the wiring and if you install a 40 amp breaker on a 15 amp wire circuit you will have a fire in your home.


Can you replace a 20 amp circuit breaker with a 25 amp circuit breaker?

No. The breaker must protect the circuit components such as wiring, outlets and switches that are connected to the breaker. Therefore if you have a 30 amp circuit as dictated by its components you need to protect it with a 30 amp or less breaker.


What is the maximum amperage capacity of a 150 amp circuit breaker?

The maximum amperage capacity of a 150 amp circuit breaker is 150 amps.


What is the maximum amperage capacity of the circuit breaker 30 amp?

The maximum amperage capacity of a 30 amp circuit breaker is 30 amps.


What is the maximum current rating for a 15 amp circuit breaker?

The maximum current rating for a 15 amp circuit breaker is 15 amps.


What is the maximum amperage capacity of a 60 amp circuit breaker?

The maximum amperage capacity of a 60 amp circuit breaker is 60 amps.


What is the maximum amperage capacity of a 90 amp circuit breaker?

The maximum amperage capacity of a 90 amp circuit breaker is 90 amps.


What is the maximum current capacity of a 100 amp circuit breaker?

The maximum current capacity of a 100 amp circuit breaker is 100 amps.


What is the maximum current capacity of an 80 amp circuit breaker?

The maximum current capacity of an 80 amp circuit breaker is 80 amps.