Skip to main content

Electrician Red Seal · Question

A homeowner, an experienced DIY enthusiast, wants to install a new receptacle in their attached garage for a workbench. The existing garage circuit is 15 A, 120 V, and powers garage lighting and one existing general-use receptacle. They plan to use a portable table saw (13 A rated) and a portable vacuum (8 A rated) simultaneously. What is the maximum continuous load permitted on a 15 A branch circuit per the CEC?

For a continuous load on a 15 A branch circuit, the maximum permitted load is 80% of the overcurrent device rating. Therefore, 0.80 * 15 A = 12 A. Operating a t

Start free practice for Electrician Red Seal

150 questions · no signup required · 40 free questions per day

Start Practice →

Question: A homeowner, an experienced DIY enthusiast, wants to install a new receptacle in their attached garage for a workbench. The existing garage circuit is 15 A, 120 V, and powers garage lighting and one existing general-use receptacle. They plan to use a portable table saw (13 A rated) and a portable vacuum (8 A rated) simultaneously. What is the maximum continuous load permitted on a 15 A branch circuit per the CEC?

Answer options: ✅ 12 A

  • 15 A
  • 13 A
  • 10 A

Correct answer: 12 A

Explanation: For a continuous load on a 15 A branch circuit, the maximum permitted load is 80% of the overcurrent device rating. Therefore, 0.80 * 15 A = 12 A. Operating a table saw and vacuum simultaneously would exceed this limit, potentially tripping the breaker.

Start free practice for Electrician Red Seal

150 questions · no signup required · 40 free questions per day

Start Practice →

More about Electrician Red Seal

Related Questions

More for Electrician Red Seal candidates

Ready to practice?

Free, no signup required. Build a wrong-question list as you go.

Start Free Electrician Red Seal Practice →

Related courses

Other Canadian certifications candidates often prepare for alongside this one.