How many 15-ampere receptacles are permitted on a 15-ampere overcurrent protective device?

The correct answer is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines that specify the number of 15-ampere receptacles allowed on a circuit protected by a 15-ampere overcurrent device. According to NEC standards, you can generally have a maximum of 12 receptacles on a single 15-amp circuit for general use. However, in residential scenarios, for general-purpose circuits, it's often considered that each receptacle and its load is counted, leading to an understanding that up to five receptacles can be installed for certain applications, depending on the expected load.

The reasoning for allowing five receptacles emphasizes safety and practicality. It ensures that the total load does not exceed the circuit's capacity, thereby avoiding overloading which could lead to nuisance tripping or even fire hazards. Each receptacle can handle a certain amount of load; thus, having limits helps in efficiently distributing the electrical demands without compromising safety.

Understanding these parameters is vital for ensuring both compliance with electrical codes and the safe usage of electrical systems in residential or commercial environments.