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AmpSize

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How many power points on a 20 A circuit?

Circuit loading calculator

Worked to AS/NZS 3000:2018. Tables checked 27 Sept 2026.

Sum of contributions

20A

Circuit-breaker rating
20A
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This result is a design aid. Verify it against the current standard.

A drawn result card from the Circuit Loading tool: sum of contributions 20 A.

A 20 A circuit in a home can take 20 A of Table C9 contributions, which is 20 single 10 A socket‑outlets. AS/NZS 3000:2018 Table C9 gives each point a contribution. The tool checks that the sum stays within the circuit-breaker rating.

The count

In a domestic installation, one 10 A socket‑outlet counts 1 A. A 21st socket‑outlet takes the sum to 21 A, over the rating, and the tool reports a fail.

Other installations

A non‑domestic installation counts more per point. There, 20 socket‑outlets come to 40 A, and 10 of them fill the circuit at 20 A.

The count is a loading rule, not a cable size. Size the cable for the circuit separately.

See also: What size cable for power points in NZ? and Maximum demand and diversity.

Try it with these inputs

Cable size
2.5 mm²
Circuit-breaker rating
20 A
Installation
Domestic
Lighting points
0
10 A socket-outlets
20
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Where next

The ideas behind it

More worked examples

AmpSize is a design aid. Verify results against the current standard.

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