How many sockets per circuit

That means:. A amp circuit should be designated for amp load or 1, watts. A amp circuit should be designated for a amp load or 1, watts. Now you know how much power your circuit can provide. The next step is to determine your power needs. Electric devices often have the watts required printed on them. Light fixtures are an easy one, as bulbs usually run at 40 to 60 watts. These are all averages to give you an idea how much power you might need on a circuit.

Look at your specific device for the exact consumption. Now you can upgrade your outlets as necessary. The first important step is to determine what type of outlet you need. All while, being on a 15 amp circuit. While there is no direct rule for how many outlets you can have on a 15 amp circuit, you should not have more than watts of power plugged into those outlets at one time. Again, a good rule of thumb is 1. In the case of 15 amps, we recommend a maximum of 8 outlets.

During our home inspections , while we do not count the specific number of outlets in any given room, we will ensure the amperage per room is appropriate. For example, a kitchen should have more than a 15amp breaker. Learn about preventing power surges or how many outlets can you put on a 20 amp circuit. Hello, I want to install 7 volts elect plugs in my basement. Does the same rules apply as a bedroom? Thanks Lloyd. In short yes. However, you should always check with your local building code and hire a professional when necessary.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your kitchen must have at least two outlets, each on separate circuits, so that if one breaker trips, you still have power. Adding lights to each circuit balances the load and avoids the necessity for separate lighting circuits. Certain kitchen appliances, however, such as the dishwasher, must be on a dedicated circuit, which means that you can't include anything else on the circuit -- not even lights.

In most circuits, only one outlet is likely to be in use at any one time, so it's a good strategy to spread as many as possible around the house on a single circuit to guarantee you have power where you need it. One rule of thumb is to assign a maximum draw of 1. You must use gauge wire to connect amp circuits; when you're installing receptacles in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room or outdoors, they must generally be ground fault interrupting receptacles.

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since