What is the minimum number of 20-amp branch circuits required to serve receptacle outlets located in the laundry area of a dwelling?

What is the minimum number of 20-amp branch circuits required to serve receptacle outlets located in the laundry area of a dwelling?

• A. One 20-amp branch circuit
• B. Two 20-amp branch circuits
• C. Three 20-amp branch circuits
• D. Four 20-amp branch circuits

Answer: (A)

Laundry receptacle outlets in a dwelling must be supplied by at least one 20-amp branch circuit. This provides enough current capacity for typical laundry loads, like a washing machine, and helps prevent nuisance tripping from other small outlets in the area. The clothes dryer usually uses a separate 240-volt circuit, so it doesn’t affect this requirement. So the minimum is one 20-amp circuit for the laundry receptacles. Additional circuits could be added if the design calls for more headroom, but they aren’t required by this rule.

Laundry receptacle outlets in a dwelling must be supplied by at least one 20-amp branch circuit. This provides enough current capacity for typical laundry loads, like a washing machine, and helps prevent nuisance tripping from other small outlets in the area. The clothes dryer usually uses a separate 240-volt circuit, so it doesn’t affect this requirement. So the minimum is one 20-amp circuit for the laundry receptacles. Additional circuits could be added if the design calls for more headroom, but they aren’t required by this rule.