Overview

LED lighting has become the primary lighting source for new installations. Because it uses so little energy, and so little current, branch circuits are not seeing the amount of load they have seen in the past. Couple this with the drastically rising cost of copper conductors, and a unique opportunity is presented. Why not have lower rated branch-circuits? That is exactly what the new addition to Section 210.23 permits. 10-amp branch circuits are now permitted to supply select loads, but are specifically prohibited from serving others.

Applying the 2023 Code

Article 210.23 provides the list of permissible loads based on the branch circuit rating. In the past, this list has started at 15-amperes. This has limited the use of 10-ampere over current protection. The 2023 code has updated this section to include 10-ampere branch circuits as item (A). It specifies that 10-ampere branch circuits are permitted to supply lighting outlets, exhaust fans on bathroom or laundry circuits in dwellings, or a gas fireplace supplied by an individual branch circuit. The section also includes a list of loads prohibited on 10-ampere branch circuits. This list includes receptacle outlets, fixed appliances (other than those allowed), garage door openers, and laundry equipment. The installation of 10-ampere branch circuits remains a choice, and is not required. Should a 10-ampere branch circuit be installed, it is important to follow the permitted guidelines.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 210.23 started with 15- and 20- ampere branch circuits.

210.23 Permissible Loads, Multiple-Outlet Branch Circuits. In no case shall the load exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating. A branch circuit supplying two or more outlets or receptacles shall supply only the loads specified according to its size as specified in 210.23(A)  through (D) and as summarized in 210.24 and Table 210.24.

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Section 210.23 now begins as follows:

(A) 10-Ampere Branch Circuits.

A 10-ampere branch circuit shall comply with the requirements of 210.23(A)(1) and (A)(2).

(1) Loads Permitted for 10-Ampere Branch Circuits.

A 10-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to supply one or more of the following:

• Lighting outlets
• Dwelling unit exhaust fans on bathroom or laundry room lighting circuits
• A gas fireplace unit supplied by an individual branch circuit

(2) Loads Not Permitted for 10-Ampere Branch Circuits.

A 10-ampere branch circuit shall not supply any of the following:

• Receptacle outlets
• Fixed appliances, except as permitted for individual branch circuits
• Garage door openers
• Laundry equipment