It's not a dumb question at all! Figuring out the actual load on a receptacle circuit is tricky because you don't know exactly what will be plugged in. Here's a breakdown of how to approach this for your outdoor pole-mounted receptacles, keeping in mind this is an estimation

Understanding the Challenge
Varying Loads

People could plug anything into those receptacles, from a phone charger drawing a few watts to a power tool drawing hundreds or even a thousand watts.

Simultaneity

Not all receptacles will be used simultaneously at their maximum potential.

Approaches to Estimating the Load

Given you're using this for a voltage drop calculation, you need a reasonable estimation. Here are a few options, from simplest to most involved:1. NEC Code Guidance (Article 220)



General Use Receptacles

The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides some guidance. However, it's usually intended for building load calculations and can be overly conservative for outdoor receptacles. 220.14(I) says dwelling unit receptacle is 180 VA.

Commercial/Industrial Receptacles

if these receptacles are going to be used for commercial applications. You can treat them as 180 VA per outlet.

Why It's Conservative

These are designed for worst-case scenarios in buildings and can significantly overestimate outdoor receptacle usage.2.

Reasonable Estimate Based on Expected Usage (Best Approach)



Consider the Likely Use

This is the most important step. Think about why these receptacles are on the pole. Are they for:

Temporary Lighting (Christmas lights, string lights)? Figure out the total wattage of a typical string light setup (e.g., 100 LED bulbs at 0.5W each = 50W per string). Power Tools (Drills, Saws)? These draw a lot of power, but are unlikely to be used on every receptacle simultaneously. Landscaping Equipment (Edgers, Trimmers)? Again, higher wattage but likely intermittent and not on every receptacle. Events (Food trucks, vendors)? This drastically changes the equation. Phone/Device Charging? Very low wattage. Estimate a Typical Load Per Receptacle in Use

Based on the likely use, estimate the average wattage that would be drawn from one receptacle that's in use. For example, you might estimate 100W for typical lighting or 500W for occasional power tool use.

Estimate a Simultaneity Factor

How many of the seven receptacles are likely to be used at the same time? This is critical. If it's for temporary lighting, you might assume all 7 could be in use. If it's for occasional power tools, you might assume only 1 or 2 are ever used simultaneously.

Calculate the Total Estimated Load

`Estimated Load (Watts) = (Typical Load per Receptacle in Use) x (Number of Receptacles Used Simultaneously)` Convert Watts to Amps: `Amps = Watts / Voltage` (Voltage will be 120V in a typical 1P-20A duplex receptacle circuit).3.

Monitoring (Most Accurate, Most Involved)



Use a Clamp Meter or Power Logger

The most accurate way is to measure the actual current draw on the circuit over a period of time. You would use a clamp meter to monitor the amperage on the circuit's conductors over a day, a week, or even longer. A power logger can record the data for later analysis.

Analyze the Data

Determine the peak current draw and the average current draw. The peak is most important for voltage drop calculations, but the average can help you understand the overall energy consumption.

Example Scenario (Using Method 2 - Reasonable Estimate)

Let's say these outdoor receptacles are primarily for temporary lighting (like string lights for events) and occasional use of small power tools. Typical Load Per Receptacle in Use

String lights: 150W (estimated) Small power tools (trimmer, edger): 500W (estimated)

Simultaneity Factor

String lights: Assume up to 5 receptacles could be used simultaneously for lighting during an event. Power tools: Assume only 1 receptacle is ever used for a power tool at any given time.

Calculations

Lighting Load: 150W/receptacle 5 receptacles = 750W Power Tool Load: 500W/receptacle 1 receptacle = 500W Total Estimated Load: 750W + 500W = 1250W Amps: 1250W / 120V = ~10.4 Amps

Important Considerations for Voltage Drop Calculation



Wire Size and Length

The length of the wire run from the panel to the last receptacle is crucial. Longer runs have more voltage drop. Also wire gauge (AWG).

Acceptable Voltage Drop

The NEC recommends limiting voltage drop to 3% for branch circuits and 5% overall (feeder + branch circuit). However, exceeding these recommendations is generally safe, although performance may suffer (lights may dim, motors may run less efficiently).

Online Voltage Drop Calculators

Use a reputable online voltage drop calculator (there are many free ones). You'll need to input the voltage (120V), the amperage (your calculated estimate), the wire gauge, the wire type (copper or aluminum), the wire temperature rating, and the length of the run.

In Summary1. Carefully consider the intended use of the outdoor receptacles.2. Estimate the typical load per receptacle when it's being used.3. Estimate the number of receptacles likely to be used simultaneously.4. Calculate the total estimated load in amps.
5. Use a voltage drop calculator to determine if the voltage drop is acceptable for your wire size and run length.

Disclaimer: Consult with a qualified electrician for code-compliant and safe electrical installations. Flag for review