On a 20-amp branch circuit feeding two or more receptacle outlets, which option lists the minimum rating for the receptacle devices?

On a 20-amp branch circuit feeding two or more receptacle outlets, which option lists the minimum rating for the receptacle devices?

• A. 10 A
• B. 20 A
• C. 25 A
• D. 15 A

Answer: (D)

On a 20-amp branch circuit that serves two or more receptacle outlets, the receptacle devices can be rated as low as 15 amps. The rationale is that with multiple outlets, the load can be distributed across several receptacles, so using 15-amp receptacles remains safe and compatible with typical 15-amp plug loads while still allowing the circuit to carry up to 20 amps if needed. If there were only a single receptacle on that circuit, a 20-amp receptacle would be required. So the minimum rating allowed for the receptacles in this scenario is 15 amps. (A 20-amp receptacle is also acceptable, and 25-amp isn’t a standard rating; 10 amps would be undersized for a 20-amp circuit.)

On a 20-amp branch circuit that serves two or more receptacle outlets, the receptacle devices can be rated as low as 15 amps. The rationale is that with multiple outlets, the load can be distributed across several receptacles, so using 15-amp receptacles remains safe and compatible with typical 15-amp plug loads while still allowing the circuit to carry up to 20 amps if needed. If there were only a single receptacle on that circuit, a 20-amp receptacle would be required. So the minimum rating allowed for the receptacles in this scenario is 15 amps. (A 20-amp receptacle is also acceptable, and 25-amp isn’t a standard rating; 10 amps would be undersized for a 20-amp circuit.)