A 20 amp circuit can safely support up to about 10 outlets. This recommendation is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) 80% rule, which means the circuit should only be loaded to 80% of its 20-amp capacity for safety—approximately 1,920 watts on a 120-volt system. Assuming a typical load of 1.5 amps per outlet, the calculation allows for about 10 outlets to be connected without overloading the circuit. While there is no strict NEC limit on the number of outlets per circuit, most professionals recommend observing this 10-outlet guideline to avoid tripping breakers or creating fire hazards. The actual safe number depends on the total electrical load connected to those outlets (the devices plugged into them), not just the count of outlets alone. For outlets serving high-power devices, fewer outlets may be advisable. So, practically speaking, for a 20 amp circuit, up to 10 outlets is the standard safe recommendation.