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NEC Residential Circuit Planner
Minimum Requirements for US Homes (NEC 2023/2020)
Your Instant NEC Compliance Tool for US Homes
Stop wading through hundreds of pages of the National Electrical Code (NEC). This tool is the fastest, free online calculator designed specifically for US homeowners and residential contractors to determine the *minimum* required electrical branch circuits.
We automatically apply critical NEC standards, ensuring your plans for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and general lighting are code-compliant. This tool saves you hours of manual research, helping you pass inspection the first time and ensuring your electrical system is safe and properly sized.
This tool calculates minimums based on key sections, including: NEC 210.52 (SABCs), NEC 210.11 (Required Circuits), and NEC 220.40 (General Load).
1. Select Rooms for Calculation
2. Minimum NEC Circuit Summary
Enter the required information and click "CRUNCH THE CODE" to generate your minimum circuit plan based on US residential code standards (NEC 2023/2020).
DISCLAIMER:
This is a planning tool based on general NEC 2023/2020 guidelines. Always consult with a licensed electrician and local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before starting any electrical work. Circuit counts may be higher due to specialized appliances or local amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my kitchen need two 20A circuits?
The NEC 210.52(B) mandates a minimum of two 20-amp Small Appliance Branch Circuits (SABCs) to serve the countertop receptacles in the kitchen, dining room, and pantry areas. This prevents tripping when multiple high-wattage appliances (like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders) are used simultaneously, ensuring safety and functionality.
How is the General Lighting Load calculated?
The NEC requires a minimum unit load of 3 Volt-Amperes (VA) per square foot for general lighting and receptacles in a dwelling unit (NEC 220.14(J)). Our tool uses this value and the 1800 VA capacity of a 15A circuit to estimate the minimum number of circuits needed based on the Total Finished Square Footage you enter.
Does this calculator include AFCI and GFCI requirements?
This tool focuses on the minimum number and amperage of circuits. While nearly all branch circuits in a modern home require Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection, and specific locations (bathrooms, garages, outdoors, kitchens) require Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection, these are protection methods and do not change the *number* of minimum circuits required by NEC 210.12 and 210.8. Always ensure proper AFCI/GFCI protection is installed per code.
What if I have high-power appliances like an electric oven or dryer?
This calculator is for minimum branch circuits only. All fixed high-power appliances like ovens, ranges, electric water heaters, central AC, dryers, etc., require separate, dedicated circuits sized according to their specific nameplate ratings, and these circuits are *not* included in this calculation. Always plan for these separately.