On a 20-ampere branch circuit that supplies both lighting outlets and cord-and-plug-connected equipment not fastened in place, what is the maximum load the cord-and-plug equipment may impose?

Explanation

Cord-and-plug-connected equipment that is not fastened in place is limited to 80 percent of the branch-circuit rating when other loads share the circuit: 20 x 0.80 = 16 A. The 20-ampere answer would let the equipment consume the entire circuit, and 12 or 15 amperes are not derived from the 80 percent rule.