NEC · 2020 National Electrical Code
§210.23 · Permissible loads
Effective in NEC 2020 · NEC 2023 NW Indiana.
Plain-English explainer
210.23 (permissible loads): branch-circuit conductors must be sized so the load does not exceed the branch-circuit rating, and the rating of any single utilization equipment fastened in place cannot exceed 80% of the branch-circuit ampere rating for noncyclic loads.
Why inspectors flag this
A 20A receptacle on a 15A circuit, or a continuous water-heater load on a 20A circuit sized at >80%, is the canonical 210.23 failure; the drafter lifts the rule so the panel schedule reflects the load.
As quoted in the code: Branch-circuit conductors must be sized so the load served does not exceed the branch-circuit rating, and the rating of any one piece of utilization equipment fastened in place shall not exceed 80% of the branch-circuit ampere rating for noncyclic loads.
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