Can two 15-amp circuits serve more than 12 outlets?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) establishes guidelines to ensure safe electrical systems. Specifically, when it comes to the number of outlets on a circuit, the NEC has specific requirements that help prevent overloading and ensure the safety of the wiring and connected devices.

For general-purpose 15-amp circuits, the NEC permits a maximum of 12 outlets. This limitation is based on the total load that can be reasonably expected from those outlets in normal use. Allowing more than the specified amount can lead to circuit overload, which increases the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards. Therefore, stating that two 15-amp circuits cannot serve more than 12 outlets aligns with the NEC requirement, ensuring adherence to electrical safety standards.

The other options, while they might sound plausible, do not conform to the NEC guidelines. For example, having enough circuits available does not exempt the circuits from the outlet limitations. Similarly, the idea that outlets could be used at different times does not address the concern that too many outlets on a single circuit can still pose risks, and the GFCI protection applies to safety from ground faults rather than altering the outlet count restriction.