What is a branch circuit that serves a single piece of utilization equipment called?

A branch circuit that serves a single piece of utilization equipment is specifically referred to as a branch circuit, individual. This terminology is used in the National Electrical Code to distinguish circuits dedicated to one specific device or piece of equipment, ensuring that the circuit is adequately sized and rated to handle the load of that individual piece of equipment without being affected by other devices.

In contrast, a general-purpose branch circuit serves multiple outlets or devices and is designed for the flexibility of various loads. A branch circuit, appliance, does not specifically denote the individual nature of the circuit as it can imply a connection to an appliance but may not restrict it to a single use. Simply using the term branch circuit is too general and could refer to any circuit in the electrical system, whether it's supplying one or multiple pieces of equipment. Therefore, identifying it as an individual circuit clarifies that it is designated solely for that specific utilization equipment.