Master Electrician Practice Exam

What is a 20-ampere rated branch circuit primarily used for?

1. Heavy machinery

2. General lighting

3. Standard outlets

4. Large appliances

The correct answer is: Standard outlets

A 20-ampere rated branch circuit is primarily used for standard outlets, as it is designed to supply power to various household devices that require a moderate amount of current. These circuits are common in residential settings and are typically capable of handling devices that have a combined load not exceeding 20 amperes. They provide a safe and effective means to support everyday electronic devices, such as computers, televisions, and general household appliances, which are frequently plugged into standard outlets. While other options do describe applications needing electrical circuits, they may require higher amperage for operation. For instance, large appliances typically need dedicated circuits with higher amperage ratings to accommodate their greater power requirements. Heavy machinery would often necessitate specialized circuits to support their heavy electrical loads, distinct from general residential usage. General lighting circuits can often be rated at a lower amperage and are primarily focused on lighting fixtures rather than outlets for direct appliance use. Thus, within the context of typical household wiring, the primary use of a 20-ampere rated branch circuit aligns with standard outlets.