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In residential settings, the National Electrical Code (NEC) typically allocates a minimum of 3 watts per square foot for general lighting loads. This standard ensures that there is adequate lighting for safety and usability in living spaces, which is critical for areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. The allocation of watts per square foot helps in calculating the total load that the electrical system will need to support, ensuring that circuits are sufficiently designed to handle the expected demand. This allocation is essential for maintaining compliance with safety regulations and to avoid under-sizing circuits, which might lead to overloads and potential electrical failures.

The other options, such as 1 watt, 2 watts, and 4 watts, do not align with the NEC guidelines for residential applications. While a lower allocation might not provide adequate lighting, a higher level like 4 watts could be excessive for general lighting, potentially leading to unnecessary energy consumption and increased costs.