Code Q&A

Aug. 7, 2008

What is the maximum number of bathroom receptacles that can be placed on the 20A, 120V bathroom receptacle circuit in a single-family dwelling?

Mike Holt

Q. What is the maximum number of bathroom receptacles that can be placed on the 20A, 120V bathroom receptacle circuit in a single-family dwelling?

A. There are two options for wiring receptacles in dwelling unit bathrooms [210.11(C)(3)]:

One 20A, 120V branch circuit can supply all of the receptacle outlets required by 210.52(D) for dwelling unit bathrooms. This 20A bathroom receptacle circuit is not permitted to serve any other outlet, such as bathroom lighting outlets or receptacles in other rooms. In this case, the Code doesn’t have a limit on how many receptacles can be placed on the bathroom receptacle circuit.
A single 20A, 120V branch circuit is permitted to supply all of the receptacle and lighting outlets, as well as other loads, in a single bathroom, as long as no single load fastened in place is rated more than 10A [210.23(A)].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.