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Electricalaka: circuit

Branch Circuit

In Plain English

A single circuit that runs from your breaker panel to the outlets or lights in a specific area of the building.

Definition

The portion of a wiring system that extends beyond the final overcurrent protection device to outlets, fixtures, and equipment. Branch circuits originate at the electrical panel and serve individual loads or groups of loads within a building. The NEC defines several types including general-purpose, small-appliance, individual, and multi-wire branch circuits.

Example

Each bathroom requires a dedicated 20-amp branch circuit for GFCI-protected receptacles.

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