NEC Article 210 provides detailed requirements for the installation and use of branch circuits. These circuits distribute power from the final overcurrent device to the outlets or loads in a building. This article ensures that branch circuits are safely and properly installed. Here is a comprehensive overview of NEC Article 210, covering sections 210.1 to 210.70:

210.1 Scope

This section establishes the scope of Article 210, which covers branch circuits. These circuits extend from the final overcurrent device to the outlets or loads they serve.

210.2 Other Articles for Specific-Purpose Branch Circuits

This section references other NEC articles that may apply to specific-purpose branch circuits, such as those for motors, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, and other specialized equipment.

210.3 Rating

The rating of branch circuits must be determined by the load they are expected to carry. This section provides guidelines on how to determine the appropriate rating for branch circuits.

210.4 Multiwire Branch Circuits

Multiwire branch circuits, which use a shared neutral, must meet specific requirements to ensure safety. This section outlines the installation and identification requirements for these circuits.

210.5 Identification for Branch Circuits

• 210.5(A) Ungrounded Conductors: Each ungrounded conductor of a branch circuit must be identified by phase or polarity at all points where the conductors are accessible.
• 210.5(B) Grounded Conductors: Grounded conductors must be identified as specified in Article 200.
• 210.5(C) Ungrounded Conductors of Different Systems: Branch circuits supplied from different systems must be identified by a method that is clearly distinguishable.

210.6 Branch-Circuit Voltage Limitations

This section sets the maximum voltage limitations for branch circuits based on the application and location:

• 210.6(A) Occupancy Limitation: Specifies voltage limits for circuits in dwelling units, hotels, motels, and other similar occupancies.
• 210.6(B) 120 Volts Between Conductors: Outlines the requirements for branch circuits supplying lighting fixtures in dwelling units.
• 210.6(C) Over 120 Volts Between Conductors: Specifies conditions under which higher voltages may be used in certain applications.
• 210.6(D) 600 Volts, Nominal: Addresses the maximum voltage for branch circuits in various occupancies and conditions.

210.7 Branch Circuit Receptacle Requirements

This section covers the specific requirements for the installation and use of receptacles on branch circuits:

• 210.7(A) Multiple Branch Circuits: Requires that each branch circuit supplying receptacles or other outlets in dwelling units be provided with a separate neutral conductor.
• 210.7(B) Identification of Disconnecting Means: Outlines the identification requirements for the disconnecting means of branch circuits supplying receptacles.

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel

This section requires ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for specific locations and applications to enhance safety:

• 210.8(A) Dwelling Units: Lists the locations in dwelling units where GFCI protection is required, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
• 210.8(B) Other Than Dwelling Units: Specifies GFCI protection requirements for commercial and industrial locations, such as bathrooms, rooftops, and kitchens.

210.11 Branch Circuits Required

This section outlines the specific branch circuits that must be provided in dwelling units to ensure adequate power distribution and safety:

• 210.11(A) Number of Branch Circuits: Requires a sufficient number of branch circuits to supply the connected load.
• 210.11(B) Small Appliance Branch Circuits: Specifies the requirement for at least two small appliance branch circuits in kitchens.
• 210.11(C) Laundry Branch Circuits: Requires a dedicated branch circuit for laundry equipment.
• 210.11(D) Bathroom Branch Circuits: Requires a dedicated branch circuit for bathroom receptacles.

210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection

This section mandates arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection to prevent electrical fires:

• 210.12(A) Dwelling Units: Lists the areas in dwelling units where AFCI protection is required, such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
• 210.12(B) Dormitory Units: Specifies AFCI protection requirements for dormitory units.

210.19 Conductors – Minimum Ampacity and Size

This section specifies the minimum ampacity and size of conductors for branch circuits, ensuring they are capable of carrying the expected load without overheating.

210.20 Overcurrent Protection

Branch circuits must have overcurrent protection appropriate to their ampacity. This section outlines the requirements for overcurrent protection devices.

210.21 Outlet Devices

This section specifies the requirements for outlet devices on branch circuits, including the types of devices and their installation:

• 210.21(A) Lampholders: Requirements for lampholders on branch circuits.
• 210.21(B) Receptacles: Specifications for receptacles based on the rating of the branch circuit.
• 210.21(C) Receptacles Connected to Multiple Circuits: Requirements for receptacles connected to multiwire branch circuits.

210.23 Permissible Loads

This section outlines the permissible loads for branch circuits, ensuring they do not exceed the circuit’s capacity:

• 210.23(A) 15- and 20-Ampere Branch Circuits: Permissible loads for 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits.
• 210.23(B) 30-Ampere Branch Circuits: Permissible loads for 30-ampere branch circuits.
• 210.23(C) 40- and 50-Ampere Branch Circuits: Permissible loads for 40- and 50-ampere branch circuits.
• 210.23(D) Branch Circuits Larger Than 50 Amperes: Permissible loads for branch circuits larger than 50 amperes.

210.24 Branch-Circuit Requirements – Summary

This section provides a summary of the requirements for branch circuits, including conductor sizes, permissible loads, and overcurrent protection.

210.25 Common Area Branch Circuits

Branch circuits that supply common areas in multi-family dwellings must meet specific requirements to ensure safety and reliability.

210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets

This section specifies the requirements for the installation of receptacle outlets in dwelling units, ensuring adequate distribution of power:

• 210.52(A) General Provisions: General requirements for receptacle outlets in dwelling units.
• 210.52(B) Small Appliance Circuits: Requirements for receptacle outlets in kitchens and dining areas.
• 210.52(C) Countertop Outlets: Specifications for receptacle outlets on kitchen countertops.
• 210.52(D) Bathrooms: Requirements for receptacle outlets in bathrooms.
• 210.52(E) Outdoor Outlets: Specifications for outdoor receptacle outlets.
• 210.52(F) Laundry Areas: Requirements for receptacle outlets in laundry areas.
• 210.52(G) Basements, Garages, and Accessory Buildings: Requirements for receptacle outlets in basements, garages, and accessory buildings.
• 210.52(H) Hallways: Specifications for receptacle outlets in hallways.
• 210.52(I) Foyers: Requirements for receptacle outlets in foyers.

210.60 Guest Rooms and Guest Suites

This section outlines the requirements for branch circuits in guest rooms and guest suites, ensuring adequate power distribution and safety.

210.63 Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Equipment Outlet

This section requires a receptacle outlet for servicing heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, ensuring accessibility and safety.

210.70 Lighting Outlets Required

This section specifies the requirements for lighting outlets in various locations:

• 210.70(A) Dwelling Units: Requirements for lighting outlets in dwelling units, including habitable rooms, stairways, and exterior areas.
• 210.70(B) Guest Rooms or Guest Suites: Specifications for lighting outlets in guest rooms and guest suites.
• 210.70(C) Other Than Dwelling Units: Requirements for lighting outlets in other types of buildings.

Conclusion

NEC Article 210 provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation and use of branch circuits, ensuring that electrical systems are safe, reliable, and meet the intended performance criteria. These requirements help prevent electrical hazards and ensure that branch circuits are capable of supplying the necessary power to various loads and devices.

For detailed information and further context, referring to the NEC Handbook and other resources provided by the NFPA is highly recommended.