ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Minimum # of Circuits

I agree with Don and Bill, but do so using another section. 210-11 gives the requirements for branch circuits, and refers us to 220-3. 210-11(a) gives the minimum number, while 210-11(c) gives us the required specific circuits (small-appliance, laundry, bathroom). In each of these, (1), (2), & (3), the first sentence states "In addition to the number of brach circuits required by other parts of this section..."

That gets you back to the argument that you need as many general-purpose circuits as required in computing the load, based on the square footage of the house (minimum 1-15amp circuit for minimum 600sq. ft., or minimum 1-20amp circuit (or 2-15amp circuits) for minimum 800sq. ft).

area of house X 3va / 120v = General Purpose lighting amps

General purpose lighting amps / 15 or 20 amp circuit = number of circuits

Rick

I think we all agree this reads hard.

so , once i have my sq. ft to # of circuits, am i to understand i can install as may receptacles as i like?

of interest is how 220-3(c) reads in relation to this



[This message has been edited by sparky (edited 04-12-2001).]

Sparky,

My whole point in bringing this up was that it's kind of a trick question there are really only 4 specifically required circuits, the last one takes some brainwork to get (not much, but some) and I'm glad we're all up to the task here!

There's no doubt that it's needed, but some don't see it as being "required" by code.


Bill

Don,

I never claimed that the appendix is a requirement, I said it covered the requirements (in one handy location). Of course, the requirements being discussed appear consequtively in 210-11(c).

As far as the general lighting circuits, 210-11says they shall be provided to supply the loads computed in accordance with 220-3

Tom

Tom,
You are correct. 210-11 does say we must install the general lighting circuits per the calculations in 220-3.
Don

Bill;
well it IS a trick Q! of sorts. some code loops are just that, you go in a circle,one refering to the other using double-negative undefined electro-leagal jargon worthy of Perry Mason weasling out of a DWI.

where's that asprin?

Sparky,

You can have a few of my aspirin. I buy the super giant economy size every time I get a new code book. Every time I think I know something, I usually find out I was mistaken.

I wish I was 1/2 as # as most of the guys that post on this board. ( that's half as sharp for you non-musical folks)

Tom;
i guess i gotta second the vote!

You haven't quite covered everything... Does a single family home have to have a bathroom? Laundry? Kitchen? Lighting?

I remember as a youngster visiting a farm and they had a house but the bathroom was an outhouse. Also, I think I remember the laundry being hand washed and dried.

Is there any reference in the NEC as to which building code is used to make a determination in which of these rooms are required to consititute a single family dwelling.

And if I am reading 210-52(b) correctly, it says the two or more small appliance branch circuits(SABC) shall serve all receptacle covered by sections 210-52(a) and (c). 210-52(a) lists pretty much every occupiable room in the house--so I'm reading that the SABC's need to feed every recept in the house with the exception of a refrigeration recept.

Any thoughts?

Steve,

210-52(a) tells you how receptacles are to be spaced, what qualifies as a space requireing a receptacle, etc. It says nothing about which circuits these receptacles are to be connected to.

210-52(b) limits the areas that can be served by the small appliance branch circuits.

What constitutes a dwelling unit? Beats me. I guess this is up the the AHJ as to what building code they enforce, if any. If there is no AHJ, the lending institution might be the ones that determine what a dwelling is. The ones around here won't lend money on a house without indoor plumbing, or one with a service less than 100 amps.

As far as the little house out back, it probably would not meet the NEC definition of a bathroom (see definitions in article 100)

Tom

[This message has been edited by Tom (edited 04-15-2001).]