How many 15 ampere, 125 volt receptacle outlets can individual freestanding office furnishings contain?

The correct answer is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines regarding the number of receptacle outlets that can be connected to a single circuit. According to NEC requirements, a general rule is to allow a maximum of 10 receptacles on a 15-amp branch circuit built for general use, specifically for receptacle outlets used in office settings.

However, individual freestanding office furnishings, such as desks or workstations, often provide flexibility in powering devices. The code allows for additional receptacles on the same circuit dedicated to office furniture setups, particularly if they are used for low-power devices. This leniency can increase the number of permissible outlets to accommodate office needs efficiently.

Thus, the rationale for allowing 13 receptacles connects to the idea that while there might be a general limitation of 10 for standard wiring practices, special circumstances and designs permit a higher number, contributing to practical usage in an office environment. Hence, the determination is made that 13 receptacles can be permissible for individual freestanding office furnishings.