Hey all, finishing a basement-(2 bedrooms 1 family room 1 sitting room.) What’s the norm (or code) for how many receptacles to each 20 amp breaker? 12/2 wg wire. How about lights (high hats, 3 ceiling fans with light kit) for the lighting circuit?
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These is no code requirements on the number of receptacles on a circuit in residential applications. Howevr, some local admendments do limit them.
However, code does require a minimum of 3 watts/sq ft for general purpose lighting and receptacles. That will define the minimum number of circuits needed.
But you need to account for any know heavey loads. I have no idea what would be in the family room, but that might be a microwave, small frig, and monster home theater.
For the lighting circuits you need to figure the wattage of the fixtures. Most cans are limited to 50-75 watts. Without seeing the specs on the fan you are probably OK use 300 watts each.
Without know more about the size and usage you could might be able to use 1 lighting circuit. One receptacle circuit for the family room, and a 2nd for the bedrooms, and sitting room.
If these are large room then manybe a 2nd lighting circuit and 3rd receptacel circuit split amount the bedrroms and sitting room.
I'm too lazy to dig out the code book and looks like Bill has you covered.
Just don't forget about the AFCI requirement for bedrooms.
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
Now you need to get off yor lazy a#% and look for the code book:)! I was unaware of any arc fault requirments for bedrooms. What are they? Thanks.
An AFCI is a special breaker that is designed to detect parrallel arching an ground fault currents (similar too, but at a much ligher levels than a GFCI. It is suppose to detect some problems with failing wiring. Current code requires that all "outlets" in a bedroom be protected with an AFCI breakers. That include the receptacels, but also lights and wired smoke detectors.However many communities have modified the code to not require them or to require them only on receptacles.Also being new bedrooms you will probably need to have wired smoke dectors in the bedrooms.You really need to check with your local code authorities about these.Also with that big of "addition" I am surprised that there is not a bathroom included.For a bathroom you have to have a 20 amp circuit for a receptacle. That same circuit can also be used for receptacles in other bathrooms. OR that circuit can also be used for lights and fans in that bathroom.
There is bathroom but I was setting that up on a dedicated with a gfi.
The client wants alot of receptacles (7 in one 10x10 bedroom) and I was wondering how many is toomany on a single cirquit.
The bedrooms will now get arc fault breakers.
Do they just want them close or do they plan on using many of them at one time?
Personally I think they just don't know where the furniture is going to go! I've tried to guide them on where to locate them (ie: near the corners, NOT behind doors...) but I think they're figuring better safe then sorry. They can't possibly use them all at once.
>>Now you need to get off yor lazy a#% and look for the code book:)! I was unaware of any arc fault requirments for bedrooms. What are they? Thanks.
OK NEC section 210.12(B), if it applies where you are, gotta have AFCI's on bedroom branch circuits (of 15 or 20 amps). Don't need them on the 220V a/c outlet if you have one of those in the bedroom.
Maximum distance between receptacles, NEC section 201.52(A)(1), max distance along the floor line is 6'.
Branch circuits/ft. sq. look at table 220.12 and do your calculations.
Hallways, stairways section 210.70(A)(2)(a) -- need a switch controlled outlet or light in every hallway/stairway and with more than 6 risers need a switch at least every floor/landing,
on and on its goes. I've had a few beers. Are you really getting an inspector in there? This is a lot of work. I need a nap.
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
Sleep tight, my unknown friend.
Thanks for all the help.
on and on its goes. I've had a few beers. Are you really getting an inspector in there?
Sounds like he needs to sub the electrical work to a licensed electrician.
It is one thing to do everything he has listed for his self, but a whole nudder can-o-worms to charge a client for something he is not licensed to do. If they have a problem of any magnitude related to electrical work...he was the last one there,...so he did it! His insurance company won't cover him either.
A licensed and insured electrical contractor is in order, me thinks.
Dave
Check with your local authority RE: AFCI
New Jersey does not require Arc Fault protection.
New Jersey is a smart state.
If you are required to have AFCIs to pass inspection, buy them from Home Depot as a seperate purchase. Keep the receipt and the packaging together and hand them to the mew homeowner. Send them a copy of my new video, "How to replace an AFCI with a regular breaker the safe way." Then they can take the useless, minimumly used AFCI back to HD and get their money back. Do not mark up the AFCI on your bill.
~Peter, the Sports Page Editor for the Wall Street Journal
PeterI wish you would not beat around the bush.Tell us, how do you REALLY feel about AFCI's.