Branch-Circuit Ratings, Conductor Minimums, Permissible Loads and the Required Dwelling Circuits
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2023 edition · Reviewed 2026-09-21
This is the core of the "Branch Circuits" sub-topic, and the 2023 edition changed the table everyone memorised: there is now a 10-ampere branch circuit (still wired with 14 AWG copper — 16 AWG does not appear in the 2023 tables). Learn the 2023 Tables 210.24(1) and 210.24(2), then the rules around them.
1. Rating = the overcurrent device — 210.18
A branch circuit is rated by the ampere rating or setting of its OCPD, not by its wire. Multi-outlet circuits may only be 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 or 50 A. Bigger wire doesn't change the rating. Two exceptions: multioutlet circuits over 50 A for nonlighting loads under qualified supervision, and — the new one — 10 A branch circuits shall not supply receptacle outlets (210.18 Exc. 2, repeated in 210.22 and 210.23(A)).
10 A circuits (210.23(A)) may supply only lighting outlets, dwelling bathroom / laundry-room exhaust fans on the lighting circuit, or a gas fireplace unit on an individual circuit. Not receptacle outlets, fixed appliances, garage door openers or laundry equipment.
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