The ampere rating for an outlet device must be at least equal to which quantity?

• A. The circuit rating
• B. The load being served
• C. The branch-circuit rating
• D. The minimum conductor ampacity

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that an outlet must be able to safely carry the current drawn by the device plugged into it. You choose a receptacle whose ampere rating is at least equal to the load being served—the actual current the connected equipment will draw. If the load could draw, say, 12 A, you’d want a receptacle rated at 12 A or higher (typically 15 A or more in common practice) to avoid overheating or nuisance tripping.

The circuit rating and branch-circuit rating relate to the supply and protection, not the specific outlet’s capacity, and the minimum conductor ampacity relates to sizing the wiring, not the outlet’s rating. The outlet’s rating must align with the load to ensure safe, reliable operation.