A 20-amp branch circuit will be installed to supply two or more receptacle outlets. What is the minimum rating permitted for receptacle devices on the circuit?

A 20-amp branch circuit will be installed to supply two or more receptacle outlets. What is the minimum rating permitted for receptacle devices on the circuit?

• A. 15 A
• B. 10 A
• C. 20 A
• D. 30 A

Answer: (A)

On a general-purpose branch circuit, the receptacle rating can be lower than the circuit rating as long as certain conditions are met. For a 20-amp branch circuit that will feed two or more receptacle outlets, you may use receptacles rated at 15 amps. The approach allows the circuit to supply multiple outlets with typical loads, distributing what could be drawn across several points rather than a single outlet bearing the full load. If there were only one receptacle on that 20-amp circuit, then a 20-amp receptacle would be required to handle the potential full circuit current. So the minimum permitted receptacle rating on a 20-amp circuit serving two or more outlets is 15 amps.

On a general-purpose branch circuit, the receptacle rating can be lower than the circuit rating as long as certain conditions are met. For a 20-amp branch circuit that will feed two or more receptacle outlets, you may use receptacles rated at 15 amps. The approach allows the circuit to supply multiple outlets with typical loads, distributing what could be drawn across several points rather than a single outlet bearing the full load. If there were only one receptacle on that 20-amp circuit, then a 20-amp receptacle would be required to handle the potential full circuit current. So the minimum permitted receptacle rating on a 20-amp circuit serving two or more outlets is 15 amps.