(NEC 210) Branch circuits

Branch circuits must comply with article 210, 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025). 1. The total connected load must be divided as evenly as practicable, between the two ungrounded conductors of a three-wire system and three conductors of a four-wire wye system. 2. In a dwelling unit, a separate circuit with disconnect must be provided for the purpose of operating or controlling electrical equipment for primary source heating units. Wiring requirements for fixed electrical space heating equipment is provided under article 424, 2026 edition, National Electrical Code, (first version, printed in 2025). 3. A minimum of six 20-amp small appliance branch circuits must be installed for counter receptacles in kitchens that are used to serve public gatherings at schools, churches, lodges, and similar buildings. Any island counter in these locations must have at least one receptacle. 4. In dwelling occupancies. A minimum of three 20-amp small appliance branch circuits must be installed to supply receptacle outlets in kitchen, pantry, dining room, and breakfast room. These circuits may not supply other outlets and shall have conductors not smaller than no. 12. Two of these circuits must supply receptacle outlets on or near work counter area and so arranged that adjacent receptacles are not on the same circuit. 5. In dwelling occupancies, one 20-amp bathroom circuit for receptacles may not feed more than two bathrooms. 6. In a dwelling unit, fifteen and twenty ampere receptacles supplying sewer pumps and sump pumps do not need arc fault circuit protection, but must be ground-fault protected or a single receptacle on an individual branch circuit. 7. Fifteen and twenty ampere receptacles supplying power for garage door openers located in attached or detached garages associated with dwelling units must be ground-fault protected or a single receptacle installed. The single receptacle must be labeled for intended use and that it is non-GFCI protected. 8. Portable cleaning equipment receptacle outlets must be installed in corridors and located so that no point in the corridor along the floor line, measured horizontally, is more than twenty-five feet [7.62 meters] from an outlet. 9. Exception: 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025), article 210.11(C)(4): Requirements may not include buildings two hundred fifty square feet [23.23 square meters] or smaller. 10. Exception: 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025), article 210.12(B): AFCI protection is not required for the following: a. Refrigeration appliances if a single receptacle on an individual branch circuit is installed and labeled "Refrigeration Equipment Only"; and b. Furnaces used for main heating source. 11. Exception: 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025), article 210.8(A): GFCI protection is not required for refrigeration appliances in dwelling units, unless refrigeration is located within six inches [15.24 centimeters] of sink or in garage, if a single receptacle on an individual branch circuit is installed and labeled "Refrigeration Equipment Only". 12. Exception: 2026 edition, National Electrical Code (first version, printed in 2025), article 210.52(C)(3) and 210.52(C)(4), countertop, island and peninsular countertops and work surfaces: receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be located not more than twelve inches [30.48 centimeters] below the countertop or work surface. Receptacles installed below a countertop or work surface shall not be located where the countertop or work surface extends more than six inches [15.24 centimeters] beyond its support base.