According to the 80% rule, the safe operational load on a 20 Ampere circuit is what percentage of its total rating?

The 80% rule is a guideline used in electrical work to determine a safe operational load on a circuit. Specifically, for a 20 Ampere circuit, the maximum load that should be continuously drawn is 80% of the circuit's total rating. This means that while the total rating of the circuit is 20 Amperes, the safe operational load is 16 Amperes (which is calculated by taking 80% of 20 Amperes).

This practice is important for safety reasons as it helps to prevent overheating and potential circuit failures. The rule is widely adopted in both residential and commercial electrical installations to ensure that circuits are not overloaded, which could lead to tripped breakers or, worse, electrical fires. Following the 80% rule contributes to a safer working environment and helps maintain the longevity of electrical systems.