maximum outlets on 20amp circuit
#1
03-02-04, 05:07 AM
maximum outlets on 20amp circuit
Hi. I am wiring a new workshop and I wan to have 2 20amp circuits to supply power to the workshop for tools. I know that the maximum number of outlets(either plugs or lights combination) for a 15amp circuit is 12. My question, is there a maximum number of outlets for 20amps? These 2 circuits will supply power to run my power tools only, a mitre saw, table saw, bandsaw, planar, etc. Obviously, they will not all run at the same time...I guess a second question would be what you would recommend the maximum to be for 1 20amp circuit. Thanks
#2
03-02-04, 06:03 AM
The national code has no restriction on the number of receptacles on a circuit. However, local codes may dictate the number of receptacles permitted on a circuit. A 20 amp circuit will deliver a maximum of 2400 watts.
What you need to do is add up the wattages of all your equipment, or if you're sure you'll only use 1 piece at a time, then look at the wattage of your largest piece of equipment and go from there. This will give you the most accurate idea of what you'll need in terms of power.
You might be okay with one or two 20 amp circuits, but it's hard to say without knowing the size of your equipment. Planers, band saws, table saws, etc., can vary greatly in size and power consumption. For example, are we talking about a 5 HP Unisaw, or a 1.5 HP Craftsman?
What you need to do is add up the wattages of all your equipment, or if you're sure you'll only use 1 piece at a time, then look at the wattage of your largest piece of equipment and go from there. This will give you the most accurate idea of what you'll need in terms of power.
You might be okay with one or two 20 amp circuits, but it's hard to say without knowing the size of your equipment. Planers, band saws, table saws, etc., can vary greatly in size and power consumption. For example, are we talking about a 5 HP Unisaw, or a 1.5 HP Craftsman?
#3
03-02-04, 06:40 AM
Member
If this is a workshop for one person using one tool at a time, then it doesn't make any difference.
BTW, 12 outlets on a 15-amp circuit would be considered too many by most standards (although as hotarc pointed out, not too many for the NEC -- a hundred is not too many for the NEC).
BTW, 12 outlets on a 15-amp circuit would be considered too many by most standards (although as hotarc pointed out, not too many for the NEC -- a hundred is not too many for the NEC).
#4
03-02-04, 07:55 AM
The workshop will be in the basements. For my 15amp circuits, I am keeping them to the most, 9 outlets(combo of lights and plugs). I am in Ontario, and local code says a maximum of 12 outlets per 15amp circuit. My workshop would have some upscale equipment, 13" planar, 15" bandsaw, 10" tablesaw...not craftsman but mostly Dewalt tools. I did some basic ampage calculations, and I think really I can have 4 outlets per circuits...knowing that I would never use more than 2 tools at a time...most obvious would be my dust collection and a tool at the same time...and would put these tools on separate circuits.
#5
03-02-04, 08:33 AM
Member
Sorry, I missed your location as Ontario. The NEC does not apply, and Ontario has a lot of exceptions to the CEC. So I won't try to give you code advice.
For practical advice, you have already figured it out. Just try to make sure that tools that might be running at the same time are on different circuits. This is much more significant than how many receptacle are on a circuit. As we know, a receptacle with nothing running off of it doesn't use any power and you can have a million of them without overloading the circuit.
For practical advice, you have already figured it out. Just try to make sure that tools that might be running at the same time are on different circuits. This is much more significant than how many receptacle are on a circuit. As we know, a receptacle with nothing running off of it doesn't use any power and you can have a million of them without overloading the circuit.
