Branch circuits that serve what must be rated at 20 amperes in a house?

In residential electrical systems, branch circuits that serve areas with high potential load, such as kitchens and bathrooms, must be rated at 20 amperes to ensure they can handle the electrical demands of household appliances and equipment commonly used in these spaces.

Kitchens are considered a high-demand area due to the presence of large appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers, all of which can draw significant current. Similarly, bathrooms often contain electrical devices such as hairdryers, electric razors, and additional heating devices, all of which can also require substantial current.

While there are specific requirements for areas like laundry rooms, the need for a 20-amp circuit extends to both bathrooms and kitchens, making it necessary for safety and operational efficiency. Therefore, considering both the kitchens and bathrooms, the answer indicates that all these spaces require circuits rated at 20 amperes to accommodate the electrical loads safely.