How many outlets on a 20 amp circuit in a garage. Below is a list of the parts we used for this project.
How many outlets on a 20 amp circuit in a garage. 5 = 8 Outlets Some multi-plug or extender plug manufacturers put safety mechanisms into their multi-plugs, but others don’t. Breaker Size The breaker size depends on the type of garage door opener you have and how many you have. Jun 22, 2018 · There is no limitation on the number of general purpose duplex receptacles you can have on a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit breaker. Jan 8, 2025 · So, the total amps of all connected outlets should not exceed 80% of the circuit breaker. If using 20 amp-rated outlets, each one typically draws about 0. The National Electrical Code (NEC) – NFPA 70 provides guidelines to ensure that electrical systems are safe, functional, and compliant with national Mar 28, 2025 · 20-amp circuit meets or exceeds most local electrical codes for garages. A 12/2 wire is designed to handle a 20-amp circuit. This branch circuit shall have no other outlets, with the exception of an accessible outdoor receptacle, and if the garage is a single bay garage, it is permitted to supply outlets for Feb 17, 2024 · There are tamper-resistant outlets with built-in GFCI protection (and AFCI protection, too). CES code book for Canada, we do 12, 15 amp receptacles MAX, on a 15 amp breaker, that is equal to 80% of the 15 amp breaker’s capacity and for 20 amp code book says 2, 20 amp receptacles per circuit for islands and counter tops because typically those plugs are used by high load appliances. Aug 8, 2025 · The question of how many outlets can be on a 20 amp circuit is less about the quantity of outlets and more about the quantity of power they are expected to deliver. 11 (C) (4) Garage Branch Circuits Section 210. How many receptacles can you Feb 10, 2022 · Now we simply take our 20-amp branch circuit and divide by 1. You’ll overload it! Maximum Outlets On GFCI A circuit should only carry 80% of the load for which the circuit breaker is rated. On a 20-amp circuit, you only have 16 amps to play with. Jul 25, 2025 · Q5: Do kitchen counter outlets need a dedicated circuit? A: Yes, according to the NEC, small appliance branch circuits (often 20-amp) are required to supply receptacle outlets in kitchens and dining areas. Mar 2, 2024 · The quick answer is that you should have no more than ten outlets connected to a 20-amp circuit for fire safety reasons. Too many outlets, however, increases the likelihood of overloading a circuit with connected appliances and lights. Receptacles are the same as outlets. According to the American Wire Gauge or Mar 27, 2020 · “At least one 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit shall be installed to supply receptacle outlets in attached garages and in detached garages with electrical power,” according to the National Electrical Code [NEC 210. Dedicate two 20-amp circuits for benchtop and portable-tool outlets. For a 20 amp circuit: (dwelling area in sq ft X 3 volt-amperes per sq ft) / (20 amps X 120 volts per circuit) = number of circuits. Jul 23, 2023 · Step 5: Calculate the Number of Outlets: Divide the remaining available amperage by the current draw of each outlet. 52(G)(1) in a garage with electric power shall be supplied by at least one 20-amp branch circuit. Sep 2, 2025 · What Is the Electrical Code for Outlets in a Garage? An important section when it comes to detached garage electrical code is: Section 210. Want to add 20-amp circuit/outlets in garage 2. Jul 7, 2022 · Getting a clear answer of how many 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit is fine could be hard, right? If so, this guide will help you with the right information. Can I Use 20-Amp GFCI On 15 Amp Circuit? Oct 11, 2024 · The 2023 NEC allows all receptacles in the garage to be fed from the 20-amp circuit, including one on the ceiling for the garage door opener. 5A at 120V. 23 Permissible Loads, Multiple-Outlet Branch Circuits. 24 and Table 210. 52 (G) lists detached garages for the receptacle, Dedicated. That means you can draw up to 1,920 watts on a 120-volt system before risking an overload or tripped breaker. However, 14/2 wire would be cheaper and generally more suitable for 15 amps, and 12/2 wire should only be used in circuits with no more than 20 What size electrical breaker do I need for a garage door opener? ANSWER: That seems like a simple question with a simple answer, but a discussion of garage door opener electrical requirements involves a number of factors. As a result, it is best to limit the number of outlets to no more than 8 on a 15-amp circuit and up to 10 on a 20 amp circuit. 18 The electrician can assist in determining how many receptacles you can install on a 20 amp GFCI circuit in your garage. Apr 1, 2023 · Do you have a 20 Amp circuit? If yes, let’s see how many outlets you can securely wire to it without risking an electric overload. You can also add it to any additional circuits. 5 amps = 6. Directly after it states this shall have no other outlets?????? So does this mean no garage door opener? garage interior and exterior lights Apr 2, 2021 · 80 Percent De-rating for Continuous Usage, and EVSE Amp Ratings Power circuits and receptacles in your home are rated at their “maximum” amp rating. 2020 Code Language: 210. Can I Use 15 Amp GFCI On 20 Amp Circuit? The NEC prohibits people from installing outlets that exceed the rating of their circuits. Feb 24, 2017 · Receptacles rated 15 amps can be used on 15 amp circuits. At least one 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit shall be installed to supply receptacle outlets in attached garages and in detached garages with electric power. How many outlets on one circuit are allowed in a kitchen? The NEC requires at least two 20-amp circuits for kitchen counters, with additional dedicated circuits for major appliances. A receptacle provides access between objects and outlets, through the holes and it’s configurations. Below is a list of the parts we used for this project. Let's find out the answer and more. Standard outlets can handle anywhere from 1,320W to 5,150W (110V 15A to 220V 30A). Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, a receptacle shall not supply a total cord-and-plug connected load in excess of the maximum specified in Table Oct 25, 2024 · If you plan to add outlets on a 20 amp circuit, it’s vital to assess the total load these devices will impose. It is a common amp rating used in devices such as outlets and overhead lights, along with a 15-amp circuit. Dec 9, 2022 · the code states that you must have 1 20 amp circuit for garages. Oct 12, 2022 · Adding Garage Outlets The code-minimum standard is at least one 20-amp branch circuit supplying a separate receptacle outlet for each vehicle bay in a garage. AN overloaded branch circuit may also suffer electrical surges. Different amps suit different wire sizes. Sep 21, 2018 · Where receptacles are used, 210. Just two typical modern 18cf fridges/freezers that draw 6 to 8 amps each aren't going to trip a circuit breaker. 5 amp, and that gives us 13. Jul 5, 2024 · Code requires at least one 120-volt, 20-amp outlet in each parking bay but other garage outlets can be 15 or 20 Amp. How many amps, specifically, should you run to your garage? For perspective, consider this: Most modern homes feature 100, 200, or 400 amps of electrical service. If an existing workshop has ungrounded two-prong outlets, return to the main power and replace them with grounded Dec 22, 2016 · Is there anything in the Code that says that a receptacle outlet for a garage door opener needs to be on a 20-amp circuit if it's a dedicated line? Many garages have subpanels with several breakers for various things in the garage. A branch circuit supplying two or more outlets or receptacles shall supply only the loads specified according to its size as specified in 210. I know that it is common in the US to wire regular 15 amp receptacles to a 20 amp circuit. Does a garage door need it's own dedicated circuit? NEC 210. 12/2 wire is fine to use with either a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit. Protecting more than One Receptacle from One GFCI This method is used when installing the GFCI as the first receptacle and wiring it so that it provides protection for all of the receptacles downstream on the circuit. 52(G)(1) for attached garages and in detached garages with electric power. Service panel is in the garage, 20 feet from where I want the outlet 4. Consider checking the receptacle rating to ensure compatibility with your devices. Below, we will illustrate how to calculate the max wattage for all receptacles. But, due to the increased technology recently, the NEC has extended the ampacity. This plays a key role in determining how many watts can a standard outlet handle. While not a single outlet per circuit, these circuits are dedicated to serving those specific areas to handle the load of small appliances. Specific requirements include two or more 20-amp small-appliance circuits, a dedicated 20-amp circuit for laundry, and a 20-amp circuit for bathroom receptacles, each with no other outlets. 3 All conductors of the same circuit, including grounding and bonding conductors, shall be contained in the same raceway, cable, or trench. How to Plan and Install Electrical Wiring for Garage Outlets and Lighting Circuits: Electrical Codes about GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in garages. (2) Total Cord-and-Plug-Connected Load. In no case shall the load exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating. There is nothing that prohibits using additional circuits with ratings other than 20 amps to supply receptacles that are not required by 210. Jun 6, 2023 · If you have a typical U. Oct 3, 2022 · Whether your garage door openers are a 120-volt circuit or a 240-volt circuit, you have to check the manufacturer's instructions. 11(C)(4), this section requires the receptacles in a garage to be supplied by a 20 amp branch circuit by themselves, no other outlets. How to Find the the Right Wire Size for a 20-Amp Breaker and Outlet Based on NEC? Choosing the the suitable wire size for a 20-ampere (20A) breaker and outlet is important for safety, circuit protection, and the proper operation of the device. However, the 2017 NEC made that requirement more stringent, so that the separate 120-volt, 20-amp (not 15 amp) branch circuit was only allowed to supply garage receptacles and readily Apr 16, 2025 · A 20-amp circuit can typically handle up to 2,400 watts. Jan 12, 2024 · But I have found it to be extremely common to go as much as 10. Dec 28, 2017 · We wire a lot of new houses and the standard practice is to wire garages like this - one 15 amp circuit for the garage door opener, which is protected by accessible receptacle GFCI on an adjacent wall to protect it. For example, understanding how many 15-amp and 20-amp circuits are needed in a garage involves rules beyond the general-purpose calculation. 3, or 13 receptacle outlets maximum on that branch circuit. 11 (C) (4) says that there must be a 20 Amp circuit that supplies receptacles, and that this circuit shall have no other outlets. If At least one 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit shall be installed to supply receptacle outlets required by 210. Typically, for residential wiring, a 20-amp circuit is commonly used for general-purpose outlets. A significant change to the 2017 NEC that will affect new garage wiring is NEC 210. For commercial and industrial power distribution, the circuit breakers will have a higher amperage. Here is all information on this matter. Jul 25, 2022 · The 2014 NEC allowed lighting outlets in the garage to be installed on the (required) 120-volt, 15- or 20-ampere individual garage receptacle branch circuit. Many older homes are probably still running 15 amp breakers, but most newer codes require a 20 amp breaker, which will handle 2–3 openers on the same circuit without any issues. Jun 3, 2024 · When wiring a detached garage and running a 3-wire 20-amp branch circuit to it, the requirements for circuits are to my understanding. Part 2 is specific to adding the circuit breaker and covers some necessary safety precautions. 33 amps / 0. Jan 14, 2023 · If you own a garage or a home, the question of How Many Outlets on a 20 Amp Circuit In a Garage must have crossed your mind. The calculations for what you can or can not run on a 20 amps branch circuit is not Jan 26, 2010 · BUT, all of the wiring must meet the specs for a 20 amp circuit (which generally means #12 wire). Read It Out! Jul 24, 2018 · Grounded three-prong, 120v, 15 amp Grounded three-prong, 120v, 20 amp Ground fault circuit interrupter, 120v, 15 amp and 20 amp Grounded three-prong 220v/240v Ungrounded two-prong, 120v receptacles are unacceptable in workshops. If you follow the rule of thumb which normally assigns 1. g. Dec 12, 2024 · Learn how many outlets you can safely put on a 20-amp circuit, understand the 80% rule, and get essential safety tips for your home's electrical system. If you have a 1 car garage, a 15 Amp circuit is more than adequate. Overloading an electrical circuit can cause the branch circuit’s wires to overheat. 66 outlets. A 15 amp GFCI breaker can protect around 8 to 10 outlets, and a 20 amp breaker will protect 10 to 12 outlets. 23 (A) through (D) and as summarized in 210. Mar 28, 2025 · A 20-amp circuit can safely support up to 10 outlets, based on a standard load of 1. Are Tamper-Resistant Receptacles required by Code? An NEC 2008 revision requires the TRR receptacles on all 15 and 20 amp 125-volt receptacles in all residential homes. Code requires that the garage circuit serve no other room, but makes an exception for exterior receptacle outlets. Feb 18, 2010 · My text says in 220. 11 (C) (4) Garage Branch Circuits is specific to outlets in a garage and states that: Aug 22, 2024 · As of the 2017 NEC update, newly constructed garages need at least one dedicated 120-volt 20-amp circuit that serves only the garage— but this circuit can also power any receptacles on the exterior of the garage. While a 15-amp circuit might work for basic lighting or occasional tool use, it's usually not worth the effort to install one as a dedicated line. This circuit type is commonly used in residential settings, particularly for outlets in kitchens, dining rooms, and garages where higher power devices are often utilized, such as microwaves, power tools, and appliances that demand more energy. 5 amps per outlet and the National Electrical Code’s (NEC) 80% load rule. 11(C)(4) – Receptacle outlets required by 210. May 4, 2017 · The rule describes a 20 Amp 120 Volt branch circuit installed for receptacle outlets in a garage, either attached or detatched, without any language to differentiate location or load served inside the garage. 15-amp circuits usually use 14-gauge wire, while 20-amp circuits generally use 12-gauge wire or 10-gauge wire. Oct 12, 2023 · A standard residential garage door opener requires a 120V outlet in the ceiling running off a 20 amp breaker. Licensed electrical company quoted $500 for job 5. According to the National Electric Code (NEC), Article 220. I call BS and want to do it An outlet is an installation that can provide electricity to objects. Here is how many outlets you can put on a 20A breaker, given the average amps draw. So a typical household 120 volt NEMA 5-15 outlet on a 15 amp circuit can have a maximum of 15 amps drawn from it and the circuit will have a 15 amp circuit breaker. This change will require, at minimum, a multi-wire branch circuit to a new detached garage. A 15 Customer: How many commercial receptacles rated 20 amps can be run off a 20 amp breaker? Is there a distance as to how far a circuit can be run from a breaker panel? If my current panel in my warehouse has space is there any reason a sub panel couldn’t be run off it rather than putting in a whole new breaker panel and disconnect? Every 15 amp circuit can have the same thing unless you have a dedicated circuit to a single outlet receptacle. 14 (H). Jan 15, 2025 · Plus, electrical codes dictate that the total load on a circuit can't exceed 80 percent of its capacity--that's 16 amps on a 20-amp circuit. If you have a set of construction drawings and specifications, you will need to read the specifications thoroughly. 5 amps to each receptacle, you have to conclude that an ordinary 20-amp circuit requires a maximum of 10 wall outlets. ___ NEC 210. Unless you have equipment or appliances in your garage that are rated at higher than 1920 Watts, 20 amps branch circuits are enough for your garage. It is less likely to overwhelm the circuit. 14(I) 20A x 120V = 2400VA 2400VA / 180VA = 13 receptacles But, if the receptacles are for convenience outlets and the load is unknown, does this calculation still apply? The 20-amp circuit is the most common circuit in the US. This is different from residential where you can have an infinite number per circuit. If you play it safe, limit yourself to 10 on 20 amps and 8 on 15 amps. The number of outlets you can place on a 20-amp circuit depends on the power load of each device connected. receptacle that looks like this: then you likely have two 120 volt receptacles on a single 15 or 20 amp circuit. Jan 22, 2022 · Limiting the number of outlets on a 20-amp circuit or any circuit is a matter of safety. (15-Amps x 0. Feb 5, 2014 · As for standard receptacles, I would put them all on 20 amp circuits and I would put the lights on a 20 amp circuit too if your local code allows. The rest of the garage outlets are on a separate 20 amp circuit. They can also be used on 20 amp circuits as long as you have more than one receptacle (one duplex or two single receptacles) on the circuit. So, if one of the exterior receptacles goes dead, check to see if the garage GFCI needs to be reset. However, it actually depends on what is drawing power from those garage outlets. Would you prefer to connect with the electrician via phone call or online chat? Jan 11, 2024 · How Many Outlets on a 20 Amp Circuit? The wiring and the installed circuit breaker are the defining components that determine the electrical load that the circuit can handle. Dec 17, 2018 · If the max load allowed on a 20A branch circuit is 16A (per 210. Feb 2, 2017 · There is no requirement for receptacles at all, but when used they are calculated at 180 VA each, meaning that you can have, at most, 13 on a 20 amp circuit. A 120-volt, 20-amp circuit is also needed for garage receptacles. So, 3. Sep 5, 2025 · The general rule is that a 20-amp circuit can support around 10 outlets, but this depends on how much power each outlet will draw. Aug 15, 2017 · It makes even more sense, to me, to run a 20 amp circuit for wall outlets there, including one on the outside by the garage door though I don't really use power tools or envision any kind of workshop out there. Sep 23, 2018 · Once you have that one 20 amp circuit, you can run as many other circuits as you want (15 or 20 amp) in the garage IMO, and can even serve outlets outside the garage on those other circuits. a 20 amp circuit would require a 20 amp receptacle. The electrical receptacle is UL Listed The outlet features feedthrough wiring so it can be installed to a 20-amp circuit 20-amp circuits are designed for a heavier load of electrical current than 15-amp circuit breakers. 21 (B) (2) says no. Aug 26, 2024 · If your circuit is 20 amps, you can install a 15-amp receptacle, but only if you have multiple receptacles on the same circuit, like the common two-plug (“duplex”) or four-plug (“quad”) setups you have all over your house. A typical application for this method would be to protect more than one bathroom, or the all of the receptacles in your garage. Knowing this helps you plan your electrical setup without worrying about safety issues. 210. Jan 16, 2001 · CLIFFS 1. 52 (G) (1). Oct 1, 2021 · What are the signs of too many outlets on one breaker? Frequent tripping, flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or warm outlets indicate overload. One 20-amp circuit for the laundry receptacles One 20-amp circuit for the bathroom receptacles One separate, individual branch circuit for central heating equipment NEC 300. Look for the appropriate labeling on the outlets. S. Keep in mind that although a 15-amp outlet can be used with a 20amp circuit, a 20-amp outlet cannot be used with a 15-amp rated circuit due to the electrical load being more. Apr 3, 2021 · The intent was never to require all of the garage receptacles to be on that required 20 amp circuit, but that is what the language says in the 2017 code. If you have a single receptacle on a circuit it has to be rated for the circuit, e. You can't use #12 wire for all the outlets, then turn around and use #14 on the same circuit for the lights. Sometimes the garage lights are on the same circuit. Sep 8, 2011 · In my basement I put in 4 outlets on one breaker (15 amp) and 2 receptacles each with dedicated 20 amp breakers on 12 guage wire - one for the bandsaw and one for the table saw and DC. Oct 31, 2022 · Once you know how many watts you need, divide that number by 120 (the standard voltage in North America) to get your answer in amps. Either of these situations can lead to fires that can be devastating for your family and home. The NEC recommends that outlets on a 20-amp circuit be calculated at a maximum of 10 receptacles per circuit. Round up to the next whole number. Aug 5, 2018 · The GFCI-circuit for in the garage is also allowed to protect any receptacles on the exterior walls of your home. How many electrical outlets can you sa Mar 16, 2023 · If you’re wondering whether you can use 12/2 gauge wire for outlets, the answer is that you usually can. At least one 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit shall be installed to supply receptacle outlets required by 210. The circuit rating must not exceed 80% of its capacity, which for a 20-amp circuit means keeping usage under 16 amps. It can be used safely for general and light loads and more powerful appliances. Feb 11, 2016 · Are there any requirements for the receptacle outlets to be on a 20 amp circuit? I know exterior receptacle outlets can't be fed from an interior garage receptacle outlet but was wondering if anything else within the garage ( lighting) could be fed on that circuit and possible amperage requirements. Nov 13, 2019 · How many outlets can be on a 20 amp circuit in a garage? One rule of thumb is to assign a maximum draw of 1. 5 amps to each receptacle, which allows for 10 receptacles on a 20-amp circuit. For continuous runs of outlets, such as in a workshop, a multi-outlet assembly has its own set of calculation rules per NEC 220. 24. [In the US, many 15 amp circuits are wired with 12 gauge wire that can support Aug 28, 2021 · Using the following formula, you can determine how many outlets you can have on a 15-Amp circuit to stay within the 80% load limit on the circuit. Since you can't have a fraction of an outlet, the safe number of outlets on the 20 amp circuit would be six. Aug 21, 2025 · At least one 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit shall be installed to supply receptacle outlets, including those required by 210. So, if your garage is going to be used mainly for storage and occasional light work with electrical tools or appliances, a 20-amp circuit should suffice. A 15A GFCI can run on a 20A circuit because it has lower power requirements than the circuit’s rating. 21 (b) (2)), then that means a maximum of (10) 180VA convenience outlets. There is an existing 15-amp GFCI outlet but the breaker trips due to too many tools 3. Dec 3, 2010 · The 20 amp outlets must all have 20 amp receptacles, not 15 amp receptacles. Read this article to find out. (A) 15- and 20-Ampere Branch Circuits. How many outlets can be on a 20 amp circuit If you like to push limits, it’s best to limit yourself to 13 outlets on a 20-amp circuit and 10 on 15 amps. Garage Outlets Garage outlets are different from regular indoor outlets due to the conditions to which garages are exposed to. Feb 3, 2021 · But generally speaking, it’s best to keep the number below 13 because of average current draw. 8) / 1. May 1, 2023 · Where does the code say that? The only thing that the 2020 code says is that the receptacles required by 210. Jul 5, 2024 · A single 20 amps branch circuit can safely support up to 3 average sized Garage Door Openers (GDO), OR 29 light fixtures rated at 65W, OR 10 outlets / receptacles. Apr 28, 2025 · The maximum wattage of electrical load that can be turned on continuously for three or more hours is 1,440 watts on a 15-amp circuit and 1,920 watts on a 20-amp circuit (which includes a 20 percent reduction for safety). When planning the home’s circuitry, each circuit is sized, including wire gauge and circuit breaker size, for the expected size and type of appliances connected to the circuit. 11 (C) (4)]. how many receptacles in a 20 amp circuit? I will answer the question in the video. 52 (G) (1) must be on a 20 amp circuit. Why does this matter? A 20 amp circuit has the maximum amp draw of 16A, for a total wattage of 1,920W at 120V. We will not only look at the number of plugs on a 20-amp breaker but, more importantly, the total net amperage and wattage you can put on a 20-amp circuit as well. 5 amps. (Some local codes require lighting circuits to be limited to 15 amps) This is Part 2 of a two-part video series where we cover how to add 20 Amp outlets in your garage. They fixed this issue in the 2020 code and the language now reads Loads must be evenly distributed among circuits. Feb 16, 2023 · So, how to tell if outlet is 15 or 20 amps in order to install one at home? Here’s a guide with explanation and FAQs to help you. When your plan is complete, make a list of the materials you’ll need. You could plug two 15 amp space heaters into the outlet shown above and you would exceed the breaker even if it was 15 or 20 amp breaker. Since a lot of our visitors have asked ‘how many outlets can you put on a 20-amp circuit’, we decided to give you some insight on this topic. The table limits the load on a 20 amp branch circuit to 16 amps. May 19, 2023 · Knowing what gauge wire for a 20 amp circuit helps avoid overloading and damage to your electrical system. Mar 24, 2025 · A 20 amp circuit is designed to handle a maximum load of 20 amps of electrical current. . However the exhibit referenced shows 13 convenience outlets, which would be a total ampacity of 19. Jan 31, 2025 · The 20-Amp Circuit A typical circuit of 20 amperes (amp) is enough to power a bedroom or two. So if you do wire the garage for 20 amps, you still have to run #12 wire to light that 13 watt CFL lightbulb by the garage door. We are going to show 3 examples, namely how many watts can a 15 amp, 20 amp, and 30 amp breaker handle. c8ojp i5 nffon5u w8hro zifmou hr1 w0315 iob 0bg immq