How Many Sockets Per Circuit? (AREI Limits)
Maximum 8 points per circuit — but how do you count correctly? Learn the AREI rules for sockets, lighting, and dedicated circuits.
Maximum 8 sockets per circuit
The AREI specifies in Art. 5.3.5.2b: a maximum of 8 single or multiple socket outlets may be installed per final circuit. This eight-point limit applies explicitly to sockets only, not to light outlets. An important counting rule applies — a double socket counts as one point, not two.
Counting rules in detail
| Connection | Counts as |
|---|---|
| Single socket | 1 point |
| Double socket | 1 point |
| Triple socket | 1 point |
| Light outlet | 1 point |
| Fixed connection (oven, hob) | Dedicated circuit |
Cable and breaker per circuit type
| Circuit type | Cable | Breaker | Max. points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sockets | XVB 3G2.5 | 16A or 20A | 8 |
| Lighting | XVB 3G1.5 | 10A or 16A | no fixed maximum (min. 2 lighting circuits if >2 rooms) |
| Dedicated (oven) | XVB 3G4 or 3G6 | 20A or 32A | 1 |
Editable planning scenario
For a house with three bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living room, start by grouping points by use. The real number follows from counted connection points, exclusive appliance circuits, spatial layout and the desired availability. The former ranges in this article were not an official statistic and are therefore not presented as a typical requirement.
Existing installations (AREI Part 8)
For existing installations built before the current AREI, Part 8 allows more than 8 sockets per circuit under certain conditions — provided the power of the connected appliances does not exceed the power permitted for the wiring and the cable cross-section is adequately sized. However, when renovating or extending, the current limits apply.
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Count before documenting
Count connection points, not frames or inserts. On a mixed final circuit, subsection 5.3.5.2 treats one fixed appliance, or a group operated by one common control, as one socket point. Also check whether subsection 5.2.1.2 requires an exclusive circuit. Keep point numbers identical on both diagrams. Official source: AREI Book 1 V06.