National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, July 4, 2019

Question:

My question is in regard to the rating of branch circuit(s) for dwelling unit garages. I have a 2 vehicle bay garage and a receptacle is installed 3 feet above the floor in each vehicle bay. I want to install an individual branch circuit for a 2.7 amp overhead garage door opener. Can I use a 15 amp branch circuit to serve the garage door opener? If your answer is no, (it too must also be on a 20 amp circuit), what do I do if I want to install a receptacle for my central vacuum system in the garage and the installation instructions require a 15 amp individual circuit?

Thanks, Don
A

Answer:

Hey Don thanks for your question. Yes. A 20 ampere 120 volt branch circuit must be installed for the receptacle outlets in garages at dwelling units as stated in 210.11(C)(4). Additional branch circuits, of the same or different ratings, are not prohibited.

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