What is the minimum requirement for receptacles installed in a laundry room?

The minimum requirement for receptacles installed in a laundry room is one 20-ampere circuit. This is established by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which specifies that laundry areas should have dedicated circuits that can handle the electrical load of typical laundry equipment.

Using a 20-ampere circuit ensures that the receptacle can accommodate modern laundry equipment, which often requires additional power, especially when using higher capacity washers and dryers. This circuit is not only suitable for the appliances but is also essential for preventing overloading, which could lead to tripped breakers or potential hazards.

While a 15-ampere circuit might seem adequate for some smaller equipment, it does not provide the necessary capacity for commercial-grade or high-efficiency washers and dryers that may be commonly found in residential laundry rooms. Additionally, having multiple 15-ampere circuits does not address the potential power demands of the laundry appliances effectively, as would a single dedicated 20-ampere circuit. Thus, the most suitable and code-compliant approach is to install at least one 20-ampere circuit in the laundry room.