Load values for receptacles and other outlets

What the code requires

Section 220.14 sets minimum volt-ampere (VA) values for receptacles and other outlets that are not general lighting, for use in load calculations. Each single or multiple receptacle on one yoke counts as at least 180 VA, so a standard duplex receptacle counts once.

In homes, general-use receptacles are not added at 180 VA each; they are covered by the 3 VA/ft² general lighting load in 220.41. In office buildings, 220.14(J) sets the receptacle load at the larger of 1 VA/ft² or the 180-VA-per-yoke count. For feeders and services, 220.43 makes the same comparison after the Table 220.47 demand factors are applied.

On the job

• Older worksheets may cite the 2020 dwelling, office and hotel rules as 220.14(J), (K) and (M). In the 2023 code the dwelling rule is 220.41, the office rule is 220.14(J) with a feeder version in 220.43, the hotel rule is 220.44, and the old 220.14(L) for other outlets is now 220.14(K). Check which edition a 220.14 letter reference uses.
• In a home, the number of general-use receptacles does not change the calculated load, because the 3 VA/ft² figure already covers them.

What changed in 2023

The 2023 NEC moved the dwelling and hotel receptacle rules out of 220.14 into 220.41 and 220.44, relettered the office rule from 220.14(K) to (J), added a feeder-level office rule in 220.43, and relettered other outlets from (L) to (K).

Related sections

• NEC 220.41
• NEC 220.43
• NEC 220.44
• NEC 220.47
• NEC 220.54: Electric clothes dryer load (5,000 VA minimum)
• NEC 220.55: Electric range and cooktop load calculations

Where this comes from

• Electrical License Renewal: 220.1, 2023 changes
• EC&M Code Quiz: Required unit load for office building receptacles (Nov 6, 2025)
• Mike Holt, EC&M: Load calculations, part 1
• Dean Austin, EC&M: Changes to dwelling unit calculations in the 2026 NEC (May 19, 2026)
• Read the official NEC free at NFPA