How many watts can a 20-amp circuit support at 120 volts?

To determine how many watts a circuit can support, you can use the formula that relates power (measured in watts), current (measured in amps), and voltage (measured in volts). The formula is:

Power (W) = Voltage (V) × Current (A)

In this scenario, the circuit has a current of 20 amps and operates at 120 volts. Plugging these values into the formula gives us:

Power = 120 volts × 20 amps = 2400 watts

This indicates that a 20-amp circuit at 120 volts can support a total of 2400 watts. This figure represents the maximum load that can safely be drawn from this circuit without overloading it, as long as the circuit is rated for that load and all other considerations (like wire size and insulation) are within the acceptable limits.

Understanding this calculation is crucial for ensuring that electrical installations do not exceed their capacity, which can prevent issues like tripped breakers and potential fire hazards.