ICC Residential Electrical Inspectors Practice Exam

What amount of load should be allocated for each 20-amp branch circuit?

1. 1,000 VA

2. 1,500 VA

3. 2,000 VA

4. 2,500 VA

The correct answer is: 1,500 VA

The correct load allocation for each 20-amp branch circuit is 1,500 VA. This guideline is established by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which helps ensure that circuits are adequately rated for the loads they will carry. The calculation for this allocation comes from the formula that states the maximum load for a circuit can be determined by multiplying the circuit's amperage by the voltage. For a standard 120-volt circuit, the calculation would be as follows: 20 amps x 120 volts = 2,400 VA. However, in residential settings, the NEC specifically uses 1,500 VA as a standard allocation for each 20-amp branch circuit when considering general lighting and receptacle loads. This allows for a practical and safe balance in residential load calculations, which helps to prevent overload situations while allowing flexibility for everyday household usage. In contrast, other amounts such as 1,000 VA, 2,000 VA, and 2,500 VA do not conform to the standardized allocation set forth in the NEC for general use in residential branch circuits, thereby making them inappropriate choices in this context.