What is the minimum rating of a branch circuit required for receptacles located in the laundry area?

The minimum rating of a branch circuit required for receptacles located in the laundry area is 20 ampere. This requirement is established by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which specifies that laundry areas must have dedicated circuits to handle the electrical load of appliances used in that space, such as washing machines and other equipment.

The rationale behind the 20 ampere requirement is that laundry appliances typically draw more current than standard residential receptacles, often requiring a higher capacity to ensure they operate efficiently and safely. A 20 ampere circuit can handle the potential load of laundry equipment, providing adequate capacity while also allowing for the use of multiple receptacles to accommodate different appliances.

Lower ratings, such as 15 ampere or 10 ampere, would not be sufficient for the demands commonly associated with laundry areas and could lead to circuit overloads or tripped breakers. Therefore, the 20 ampere circuit requirement ensures both safety and proper functionality in the laundry environment.