EE 158

Lecture 6
Branch Circuits - 4

Allan Nerves, Ph.D., P.E.E.

Electrical & Electronics Engineering Institute
University of the Philippines Diliman
 Multifamily Dwelling
• A multifamily dwelling is defined as a building with three or more dwelling
units. Examples include apartment buildings, condominiums, some hotels
and motels.

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A. For multifamily dwellings, each
dwelling unit that is located at grade
level and provided with individual
Receptacles
exterior entrance/egress must have
at least one receptacle outlet
accessible from grade level and not
more than 6 € ft (2.0 m) above
grade.
B. Dwelling-unit branch circuits shall
supply only loads within, or
associated only with, that dwelling
unit.
C. In a multifamily dwelling where
laundry facilities are provided on the
premises and available to all building
occupants, a laundry receptacle is
not required in each individual unit. Miller, 2008

D. In other than one-family dwellings

without laundry facilities, a laundry
receptacle is not required. 3
 Receptacles
A. 24 in. (600 mm) is the maximum distance to any receptacle, measured
horizontally along the wall line.
B. Dwelling-unit branch circuits shall supply only loads within, or associated
only with, that dwelling unit.
C. Receptacles must be installed so that no point measured horizontally
along the floor line in any w all space is more than 6 ft (1.8m ) from a
receptacle outlet.
D. All 125- &/or 250-volt, 15- and20-ampere receptacles serving kitchen
countertops must have GFCI protection.
E. Kitchen receptacles not serving countertops (such as receptacles behind
refrigerators) do not require GFCI protection.
F. All receptacles in the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or
similar areas must be supplied from 20-ampere small-appliance branch
circuits ( except for refrigeration equipment).
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Miller, 2008
 Receptacles
G. Circuits feeding receptacles in kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms ,dining
rooms, or similar areas must not feed receptacles outside these areas.
H. GFCI protection is required for every 125- &/or 250-volt,15- and 20-
ampere receptacle located in a bathroom area.
I. A receptacle is required for any wall space 2 ft (600 mm) or more in
width (including space measured around corners), unbroken along the
floor line by doorways, fireplaces, and similar openings.
J. Locate at least one receptacle within 36 in. (900 mm) of the outside edge
of each basin (lavatory or sink). The receptacle outlet must be located on
a wall or partition adjacent to the basin or basin countertop.
K. A receptacle is required for each peninsular counter space (at least 12 by
24 in. [300x 600 mm] in size) that is separated from other counter space
by a range top, refrigerator, or sink.
L. A circuit providing power to bathroom receptacles cannot provide power
to any receptacle (or lighting) outside the bathroom, unless meeting an
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exception.
 General Lighting
• A minimum of one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet is required for
dwelling hallways.
A. At least one w all switch-controlled lighting outlet must be installed in
every habitable room of a dwelling.
B. Clothes closet lighting outlet provisions are found in 410.16/4.10.2.5.
C. At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet must be installed in
every dwelling bathroom.
D. Except for kitchens and bathrooms, every habitable room is allowed one
or more wall switch-controlled receptacle(s) in lieu of a lighting outlet.
E. In hallways, stairways, and outdoor entrances control of lighting can be
remote, central, or automatic.
F. Branch circuits required for the purpose o f lighting, central alarm, signal,
communication , or other needs for public or common areas of a two-
family or multifamily dwelling cannot be provided from equipment that
supplies an individual dwelling unit. 7
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Miller, 2008
 Appliance Disconnecting Means
A. A permanently connected appliance, rated over 300 volt-amperes or 1/8
horsepower, must have a means to disconnect all ungrounded (hot)
conductors from the appliance.
B. An appliance switch marked with an "off" position that effectively
disconnects all ungrounded conductors can serve as the disconnecting
means.
C. A disconnecting means is not required if the branch-circuit switch or
circuit breaker can be locked in the open (off) position.
D. In multifamily dwellings, the other appliance disconnecting means must
be within the dwelling unit or on the same floor as the dwelling unit in
which the appliance is installed and can also control lamps and other
appliances.
E. A branch circuit supplying a fixed storage-type water heater with a
capacity of 120 gallons (450L ) or less is considered a continuous load
and, therefore, must have a rating of at least 125% of the waterheater's
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nameplate rating.
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Miller, 2008
 Electric Signs & Outline Lighting
• Every commercial occupancy needs a form of identification, the standard
method of which is typically the electric sign.
• Electric signs, section signs, and outline lighting — fixed, mobile, or
portable — must be listed and installed per the listing instructions.

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 Electric Signs & Outline Lighting
A. Each commercial building and occupancy open to pedestrians must have
at least one accessible outlet at every entrance to each tenant space for
sign or outline lighting systems use. Service hallways and corridors don't
count as entrances.
B. The outlet (or multiple outlets) must be supplied by a branch circuit rated
20 amperes or more and that supplies no other load.
C. Each sign and outline lighting system, or feeder or branch circuit
supplying a sign or outline lighting system ,must be controlled by an
externally operable switch (or circuit breaker) that opens all ungrounded
conductors, unless (1 ) the sign is an exit directional sign located within a
building or (2) the sign is cord-connected with an attachment plug.
D. Sign and outline lighting outlets must be calculated at a minimum of
1200 volt-amperes per required branch circuit.

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 Electric Signs & Outline Lighting

Miller, 2008
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 Electric Signs & Outline Lighting
• The disconnecting means must be within sight of the sign or outline
lighting system that it controls. lf out of the line of sight from any section
that is able to be energized, the disconnecting means must be capable of
locking in the open position.
• Signs or outline lighting systems operated by external electronic or
electromechanical controllers can have a disconnecting means located
within sight of the controller or within the controller enclosure. The
disconnecting means must disconnect both the sign (or outline lighting
system) and the controller from all ungrounded supply conductors. It must
be designed so that no pole operates independently and it must be
capable of locking in the open position.

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 Commercial Occupancy
A. A unit load at least equal to that shown in Table 220.12/2.20.2.3 for a
specified occupancy constitutes the minimum lighting load for each
square foot of floor area. Floor area (for each floor) is calculated using
the outside dimensions of the building, dwelling unit, or other area
involved. The minimum general lighting load for a store is 3 volt-amperes
per square foot.
B. No receptacle w all placement provisions exist for commercial
occupancies. The "6-ft rule“ which is the maximum distance t o a
receptacle (measured horizontally along the wall), applies only t o
dwelling u nits.
C. Receptacles are not required in nondwelling bathrooms. If installed,
however, they must be GFCI protected.

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 Commercial Occupancy

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Miller, 2008
 Commercial Occupancy
D. Where the premises wiring system has branch circuits supplied from
more than one nominal voltage system, each accessible ungrounded
(hot) conductor of a branch circuit must be identified by system at all
termination connection and splice points. The identification method can
be separate color coding, marking, tape, tagging, or other approved
means, and it must be documented in a manner that is readily available
or must be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard on
similar branch-circuit distribution equipment.

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 Showcases
A. Individual moveable showcases can be connected by flexible cord to
permanently installed receptacles. Groups of not more than six such
showcases can be coupled together (by flexible cord and separable
locking-type connectors) provided one of the group is connected (by
flexible cord) t o a permanently installed receptacle.
B. Flexible cords must be secured to showcase undersides so that (1) wiring
w ill not be exposed to physical damage; (2) cases cannot separate more
than 2 in. (50 mm), nor can the first case extend more than 12 in. (300
mm) from the supply receptacle; an d (3) the free lead at the end of the
showcase group has a female fitting that does not extend beyond the
case.
C. In cord-connected showcases, the secondary circuit(s) of each electric-
discharge lighting ballast is ( are) limited to one showcase

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Showcases

Miller, 2008
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 Showcases
D. Flexible cord must be hard-service type, have conductors not smaller
than t he branch-circuit overcurrent device, and have an equipment
grounding conductor.
E. Receptacles, connectors, and attachment plugs must be of a listed
grounding type, rated 15 or 20 amperes.
F. Unless used in wiring of chain-supported luminaires or as supply cords
for portable lamps and other merchandise being displayed or exhibited
flexible cords used in showcases and show windows must be Type S, SE,
SEO, SEOO, SJ, SJE, SJEO, SJEOO, SJO, SJOO,SJT, S JTO,SJTOO, S0, SOO,ST,
STO,STOO,SEW,S EOWS, EOOW,S JEW, SJEOW, SJEOOW, SJOW, SJOOW,
SJTW,S JTOW, SJTOOW, SOW, SOOW. STW, STOW, or STOOW

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Nondwelling Receptacle Placement
• Dwelling unit receptacles must be installed so that no point along the floor
line in any wall space is more than 6 ft (1.8 m), measured horizontally,
from a receptacle outlet in that space.
• Receptacle outlets in hotels, motels, sleeping rooms in dormitories, and
similar occupancy, guest rooms and suites must be installed in accordance
with 12 ft spacing & bathroom requirements.
• Although no provisions pertain to nondwelling general receptacle
placement (except hotel and motel guest rooms and suites), certain
requirements exist for specific occupancies or areas. Examples include but
are not limited to show windows; rooftop, attic, and crawl space
receptacle outlets for servicing heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration
equipment, and health care patient bed location receptacles.
• Generally speaking, there are no receptacle placement provisions for
nondwelling occupancies.

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Nondwelling Receptacle Placement

Miller, 2008

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 Bathroom Receptacles
A. Nondwelling bathrooms do not require receptacles. A bathroom
receptacle is required only in dwelling units, hotel or motel guest rooms,
and sleeping rooms in dormitories.
B. Where installed, 125- &/or 250-volt single-phase 15 - and 20-ampere
bathroom receptacles must have GFCI protection for personnel.

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Miller, 2008
 Multioutlet Assemblies
• Where appliances are unlikely to be used simultaneously, each 5 ft (1.5 m)
or fraction thereof (of separate and continuous length) shall be considered
one outlet of not less than 180 volt-amperes.
• Because fixed multioutlet assemblies used in dwelling units or hotel and
motel guest rooms and suites are included in the general lighting load
calculation, no additional load calculation is required.
• Where appliances are likely to be used simultaneously, each 1 ft (300 mm)
or fraction thereof shall be considered one outlet o f not less than 180
volt-amperes.
• lt is not stipulated that each receptacle be rated 180 volt-amperes. This
illustration shows one receptacle per foot; therefore, each receptacle is
rated 180 volt-amperes. Multioutlet assemblies with two receptacles per
ft (6 in. [150 mm] on center) have a rating of 180 volt-amperes for two
receptacles.

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Multioutlet Assemblies
Miller, 2008

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 Hotel & Motel Guest
Rooms & Suites
A. GCFCI protection is required for
every bathroom receptacle.
B. Hallways of less than 10 ft (3.0 m )
in length do not require a
receptacle.
C. At least one wall switch-controlled
lighting outlet or receptacle must
be installed in hotel, motel, or
similar occupancy guest rooms or
suites.
D. Receptacles must be installed so
that no point along the floorl ine in
any wall space is more than 6 ft
(1.8 m) , measured horizontally,
from an outlet in that space.
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Miller, 2008
 Hotel & Motel Guest
Rooms & Suites
E. Guest rooms or suites in hotels,
motels, sleeping rooms in dormitories ,
and similar occupancies must have
receptacle outlets installed in
accordance with dwelling unit
receptacle provisions.
F. Locate at least one wall receptacle
within 36 in. (900 mm) of the outside
edge of each basin (lavatory or sink).
The receptacle outlet must be located
on a wall adjacent to the basin.
H. Receptacles installed behind the bed
must either be positioned so that the
bed does not contact any installed
attachment plug, or the receptacle
must include a suitable guard. 27
Miller, 2008
 Hotel & Motel Guest
Rooms & Suites
I. The total number of receptacle outlets
must comply with the minimum number
of receptacles provision (12 ft spacing).
These receptacle outlets can be located
conveniently for permanent furniture
layout. This receptacle could be located
between the beds, even though the
distance to the receptacle behind the
desk exceeds 12 ft. (3.7 m).
J. At least two receptacle outlets must be
readily accessible.
K. Branch-circuit conductors supplying
more than one receptacle for cord-and
plug-connected portable loads must
have an ampacity at least equal to the
rating of the branch circuit.
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Miller, 2008
 Show Windows
• A show window is any window designed or used for the display of goods
or advertising material, whether it is fully or partly enclosed or entirely
open at the rear, and whether or not it has a platform raised higher than
the street floor level.
• Unless used in wiring of chain-supported luminaires, or as supply cords for
portable lamps and other merchandise being displayed or exhibited,
flexible cords used in show cases and show windows must be Type S, SE,
SEO, SEOO, SJ, SJE, SJEO, SJEOO, SJO, SJOO, SJT, SJTO, SJTOO, SO, SOO, SR,
SRO, STOO, SEW, SEOW, SEOOW, SJEW, SJEOW, SJEOOW, SJOW, 5JOOW,
SJTW, 5JTOW, SJTOOW, SOW, SOOW, STW, STOW, or STOOW.

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 Show Windows
A. Show-window branch-circuit loads must be calculated either by (a) the
unit load per outlet or (b) at 200 volt-amperes per linear foot.
B. At least one receptacle outlet must be installed within 18 in. (450 mm) of
the top of a show window for each 12 linear ft (3.7m )-or major fraction
thereof - of window area measured horizontally at its widest point.
C. The second method for calculating show-window branch circuit loads is
to multiply each show wlndow linear foot (or major fraction thereof) by
200 volt-amperes. (2+ 11 .5+ 2 = 15.5 = 16 linear ft... . 16 x 200 = 3200
volt-amperes for Figure)

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Miller, 2008
 Show Windows
D. One of two methods for calculating show-window branch circuit loads is
to multiply each receptacle by 180 volt-amperes (180 x 2 = 360 volt-
amperes for Figure).
E. Complete show-window feeder and/or service loads using a minimum
rating of 200 volt-amperes for each linear ft of window, measured
horizontally along its base (16 x 200 = 3200 volt-amperes for Figure).

Miller, 2008
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 References
1. C. R. Miller, Illustrated Guide to the National Electrical Code.
2. www.mikeholt.com

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