What is the total ampacity for a 120V branch circuit consisting of four duplex receptacles rated noncontinuous duty and six duplex receptacles rated continuous duty?

• A. 17.25A
• B. 20.00A
• C. 15.60A
• D. 19.30A

Answer: (A)

To calculate the total ampacity for a 120V branch circuit with both noncontinuous and continuous duty duplex receptacles, it’s important to understand how to assess their ratings.

Noncontinuous load typically means appliances or devices that do not operate continuously for more than three hours. When calculating branch circuit requirements for noncontinuous loads, the full ampacity of the devices can be considered.

Continuous load refers to devices that are used for more than three hours at a time. For continuous loads, the National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates that you should only use 80% of the circuit capacity in your calculations to ensure safe and reliable operation.

To find the total ampacity for the circuit, you first need to calculate the total load for both types of receptacles:

1. Noncontinuous Duty Receptacles: Four duplex receptacles can typically handle a certain load, which would be considered at full capacity. If each duplex receptacle has an assumed rating of 15A, four receptacles would represent an ampacity of 4 x 15A = 60A total, but they can be considered at full capacity.

2. Continuous Duty Receptacles: Six duplex receptacles need to be evaluated at 80% of