A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an amp rating not less than ___ percent of the rating of the branch circuit.

A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an amp rating not less than ___ percent of the rating of the branch circuit.

• A. 50
• B. 75
• C. 80
• D. 100

Answer: (D)

When a single receptacle is the only outlet on its own branch circuit, the receptacle must be rated for the full current of that circuit. That means it should be able to handle the entire circuit rating without being undersized, ensuring safe operation if the full load is drawn. In practice, a 15-amp circuit uses a 15-amp receptacle, and a 20-amp circuit uses a 20-amp receptacle when it’s the only outlet on that circuit. Therefore, the receptacle rating must be 100 percent of the branch circuit rating.

When a single receptacle is the only outlet on its own branch circuit, the receptacle must be rated for the full current of that circuit. That means it should be able to handle the entire circuit rating without being undersized, ensuring safe operation if the full load is drawn. In practice, a 15-amp circuit uses a 15-amp receptacle, and a 20-amp circuit uses a 20-amp receptacle when it’s the only outlet on that circuit. Therefore, the receptacle rating must be 100 percent of the branch circuit rating.