Efficient wiring Circuits for Two Bathrooms
user-3014846
| Posted in Code Questions on
Hello;
I am remodeling a 1916 home in Michigan with all new wiring. I have two bathrooms on the second floor. I want to add a Fan/Heater combo in each one, plus the code 20 Amp receptacles, and several lights each.
The heater/fans require a dedicated 20 Amp circuit each, so each bathroom requires a separate 20 Amp circuit for this.
The outlets require (or is good practice) a dedicated 20 Amp circuit for each bath.
The lighting circuits require a 15 Amp dedicated circuit (cannot use a lightly loaded lighting only circuit from an adjacent bedroom, correct?).
So, that is five circuits, and 95 Amps out of my 200 Amp Panel. Seems like a lot.
Or, is here some consolidation allowed that is code, and safe?
Thanks.
Mark
Replies
The way I understand electrical code while adding best practices, you need 6-8 fixtures per 15a fuse to be functional more or less.
As long as you use the yellow Romex, what you need to consider on 20a GFCI outlets is the load. How many hair dryers can your household need at one time? Will it be simultanious use? Having 3 plugs properly wired and grounded is different than fixtures because lights are constant draw when used, plugs aren't.
I cultivate a relationship with the inspectors as far as what their experience is because technology changes sometimes. Safty provisions for me imply 20a for all plugs. Window A/C, electric heaters, etc. seem like occasional or optional but nothing is more frustrating than a breaker that keeps tripping or a buzzing or melted 15amp improperly loaded to capacity. Potential clients also appreciate the color coded and properly rated systems more than they used to. Small repairs not done properly can influence the economy if not documented.
Selling your house in ten years should be a consideration long term. Yes, it may need work, but what is right now will be less pressure then.
Pretty sure you can tie the lighting to the GFCI 20 amp outlet circuit.
as a bonus, this will provide a clue when the GFCI is tripped.
The rating of the service panel applies to the actual electric use, not the sum of the breaker ratings.
Your theoretical load might be 95 amps, but it's highly unlikely you'll ever draw that much juice at once. The number of circuits you have isn't necessarily related to the overall current draw. The code allows for derating the circuits based on that. Go ahead and run separate lighting circuits.
did a bathroom somewhat recently and my electrician did dedicated 20 amp gfci by the sink & separate lighting service - told me code required separation for the 20 amp gfci - don't want the lights going out when using the hair dryer
not sure if that's local code or national
easy answer is find an electrician willing to let you run the wires, install the boxes and he makes the connection to your panel - cost effective and you should end up with a code compliant efficient wiring design
only other quick thought/concern is how many circuits/breakers can be installed in the panel if you're going to run new circuits
good luck