How many outlets on a 15 amp circuit?

The electrical code sets no maximum number of outlets on a 15 amp circuit in a house. Outside dwellings, load calculations count 180 VA per outlet (NEC 2023, Section 220.14(I)), which gives 10 outlets on a 15 amp, 120 V circuit. Keeping the load to 80% of the breaker, a conservative planning margin, gives 8.

Outlets on 15 and 20 amp circuits at 180 VA

How the outlet count for a 15 amp circuit is calculated

Outlets = circuit volt-amperes ÷ 180 VA, rounded down. 15 A × 120 V = 1,800 VA; 1,800 ÷ 180 = 10, so 10 outlets. At 80% of the breaker the count is 8.

Does the electrical code limit outlets on a 15 amp circuit?

In a house the electrical code does not cap the number of receptacles on a 15 amp general-purpose circuit. The 180 VA per outlet figure is the load-calculation value for non-dwelling buildings; this page uses it only as a planning figure for a home circuit.

15 amp circuits suit bedrooms, living rooms and hallways, where the loads are lamps, chargers and electronics. Kitchen counters, bathrooms and laundry rooms need 20 amp circuits.

A 15 amp circuit carries 1,440 W as a continuous load. Each appliance below draws more than half of that, 720 W, at the top of its running range, so two of them on the same circuit go over the continuous limit.