How Many Outlets on a 20 Amp Breaker

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BHopkins

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What does code say on how many 125VAC duplex outlets can be on a 20 Amp breaker?

I want to add a duplex breaker so I can move a refrigerator to a different location. The circuit that I want to add the outlet to currently has two 2-tube 4' fluorescent lights, and three duplex outlets. I want to add a fourth duplex on the end of the circuit.

Will this violate code? If yes, I can remove one of the other outlets in the circuit, wire nut the wires together and put a blank cover on the box. None of the three outlets are in use, so no loss. Would this meet code?
 
If it's a 20 amp circuit it has to be 12 gauge wire. The refrigerator needs to be on a dedicated circuit.
 
I have heard 12 outlets on a breaker. Not sure if code or "best practice."

There are also codes about kitchen lighting being on a different breaker than the outlets. So if you have drama (fire) in the kitchen it won't be in the dark.
 
Originally Posted By: Srt20
4 per GFCI is where its at now.


You wouldn't want to have a refrigerator on a GFCI that may trip. It used to be that there was no limit to the number of outlets, so in theory you could have 15 outlets on one circuit if you wanted to. Not sure about now, haven't really read the NEC since 2008.

You're really supposed to design it so that you're not drawing more than 80% of the rated load of the circuit in normal operation. So even if you had 15 outlets, if there was nothing plugged in, it wouldn't really matter as long as the total load was less than 80% of the rated capacity of the circuit.
 
Originally Posted By: dishdude
If it's a 20 amp circuit it has to be 12 gauge wire. The refrigerator needs to be on a dedicated circuit.


It is 12 gauge.

A dedicated circuit for a refrigerator? I just checked the label on the refrigerator, and it states 6.5 Amps at full load. That's only 33% of the 20 Amp breaker, well under the 80% rating. I checked the manual for the refrigerator and it makes no mention of it. What am I missing?
 
Originally Posted By: BHopkins
Originally Posted By: dishdude
If it's a 20 amp circuit it has to be 12 gauge wire. The refrigerator needs to be on a dedicated circuit.


It is 12 gauge.

A dedicated circuit for a refrigerator? I just checked the label on the refrigerator, and it states 6.5 Amps at full load. That's only 33% of the 20 Amp breaker, well under the 80% rating. I checked the manual for the refrigerator and it makes no mention of it. What am I missing?


I don't think you're missing anything, never heard of a refrigerator needing to be on a dedicated circuit, lots of old houses just had 2 20 amp circuits in the kitchen and you typically don't have to meet new code in an old house.
 
The code will be different from place to place although i am not sure exactly but i have some breakers with up to 17 sockets at my house.. I added some to a 20 amp breaker as i need them although they are never all in use at the same time
 
I have my fridge and freezer on one 20amp circuit. I also have a light wired in the circuit that burns all the time in the basement by the heating vent in kitchen, that I can see thur small crack by vent. Real easy to make sure the circuit breaker is not tripped.
 
Originally Posted By: BHopkins
What does code say on how many 125VAC duplex outlets can be on a 20 Amp breaker?

I want to add a duplex breaker so I can move a refrigerator to a different location. The circuit that I want to add the outlet to currently has two 2-tube 4' fluorescent lights, and three duplex outlets. I want to add a fourth duplex on the end of the circuit.

Will this violate code? If yes, I can remove one of the other outlets in the circuit, wire nut the wires together and put a blank cover on the box. None of the three outlets are in use, so no loss. Would this meet code?


The best thing to do is to check local code, which can often be tighter than NEC. Anything you find here would be speculation and guesswork for your local area.

Personally, for a refrigerator and a new outlet, I'd run a new line and put it on a dedicated circuit. In my opinion, I prefer refrigerators and freezers on their own dedicated circuit.
 
If you want too look like a hack keep adding away.

Otherwise check out your local building code. I belive a fridge stays on dedicated circuit. In my kitchen they maxed out two outlets per circuit with modern wiring.
 
The requirement for the fridge to be on a dedicated circuit has been a code requirement for decades. This is so that some one does not plug an appliance like a toaster into an outlet, trip the breaker and then have fridge contents spoil.
 
Originally Posted By: George7941
The requirement for the fridge to be on a dedicated circuit has been a code requirement for decades. This is so that some one does not plug an appliance like a toaster into an outlet, trip the breaker and then have fridge contents spoil.


This is great and all but what about when you get a dingbat housewife who thinks the fridge would look better "over there"?

You also get the benefit of a "blocked/dedicated" outlet not needing GFI, so the fridge won't shut off due to thunderstorms or whatever.
 
Kitchens tend to have high amp appliances. Toaster ovens, waffle irons, microwaves, refrigerators, etc. Would be prudent to have each receptacle on a separate breaker to avoid overloads.
 
NEC does not require a separate circuit for a refrigerator but your local code might and it is a good practice. There is an exemption for a from the GFCI requirements for a dedicated refrigerator circuit. The other exemption is if the appliance instructions require a dedicated circuit.
The only NEC requirement for dwelling kitchens is they must have at least 2 circuits and they must be GFCI protected.
 
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