How Many Plugs Can You Install On A 15 Amp Breaker

Today we’re going to cover a common question: How many outlets can you install on a single circuit? If you’re wiring a home or planning a renovation, understanding this is crucial.

Canadian Electrical Code Basics

According to the Canadian Electrical Code, you are permitted to have up to 12 outlets on a single 15-amp circuit.

But let’s clarify what counts as an outlet. An “outlet” is defined as a power point, which means it can be a plug receptacle or a light fixture—not a switch.

Typical Wiring Practice

When roughing in a house, electricians typically install up to 12 outlets per circuit. However, they usually don’t mix outlets and light fixtures on the same circuit. Here’s why:

Outlets now require arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers, which detect arcs (tiny sparks that could start fires). These AFCI breakers cost around $80, compared to just $7–8 for standard breakers.
To reduce costs, lights are put on a separate lighting circuit, which does not require an arc fault breaker.

For example, if a home has three bedrooms, each with four or five plugs, they’ll be grouped into a single arc fault-protected circuit—maxed out at 12 outlets. The lighting will be run separately.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors do not count toward the 12-outlet limit, even though they are considered a “power point.” They must be wired into the lighting circuit, and you can have as many smoke detectors as needed.

Dedicated Circuits for High Loads

The 12-outlet rule only applies to general-purpose outlets. For loads 1500 watts or more, you are required to install a dedicated circuit. This includes:

Washing machines
Dryers
Fridges
Microwaves
Hot water tanks
Pumps

Each of these must have its own circuit, with nothing else sharing it.

Practical Adjustments

While 12 outlets is the maximum allowed per circuit, sometimes that’s not practical—especially in larger or higher-end homes.

In those cases, you might wire each room individually on its own arc fault circuit.
This allows better labeling on the panel and prevents overloading.
Especially in bedrooms with high use (e.g., kids using hair dryers or gaming gear), overloading can quickly trip breakers.

Kitchen Counter Receptacles

Kitchen wiring follows special rules. Back in the 1960s and 70s, homes used 12-gauge wire with 20-amp receptacles. In the 80s and 90s, the common practice was to use split receptacles—two circuits feeding one outlet.

Today’s code requires:

20-amp T-slot receptacles, using 12-gauge wire
A maximum of two outlets per circuit for counters
You must have a receptacle every 6 feet along the countertop
If there’s a fifth receptacle, it must go on its own circuit

You also can’t stagger which receptacles are on which circuit—they must go in groups (e.g., 2 + 2 + 1).

Outdoor Outlets

Outdoor plugs technically fall under the 12-outlet rule, but it’s not practical to run that many on one circuit.

Most electricians will run a single outdoor circuit with just a couple of plugs, to avoid nuisance tripping.

Lighting Circuits and Pot Lights

The 12-device rule doesn’t apply to lighting circuits in the same way if they are dedicated.

You can load a lighting circuit up to 1500 watts
For example, if you’re using 7-watt LED pot lights, that allows a large number of lights, but spreading them out is still a better practice

Code vs. Practicality

The electrical code is a minimum standard—not always the most practical. In many cases, electricians exceed code requirements to ensure performance, safety, and customer satisfaction.

In Summary:

12 outlets max per 15A general-purpose circuit
Arc fault breakers are now required for outlets
Lights and plugs should be on separate circuits
High-power appliances need dedicated circuits
Kitchen counters follow strict 20A rules
Outdoor plugs should be kept minimal per circuit
Always wire with future use and safety in mind

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