What is the maximum permitted cord- and plug-connected load to a 15-ampere receptacle?

The maximum permitted cord- and plug-connected load to a 15-ampere receptacle is determined by safety standards, particularly to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), the general rule is to use a maximum of 80% of the circuit's total capacity for continuous loads.

For a 15-ampere receptacle, when applying this 80% rule, the calculation would be as follows:

15 amperes x 0.8 = 12 amperes.

This means the recommended maximum load that should be connected to a 15-amp circuit for continuous use is 12 amperes. Thus, 12 amperes is considered safe as it allows for some headroom to reduce the risk of overheating the receptacle or the wiring associated with it.

Using the full 15 amperes continuously could lead to overheating issues and is not advisable practice for safe electrical installations. Therefore, the appropriate answer is 12 amperes, reflecting the guideline provided by the NEC.