I'm finishing my basement and will have about 17 outlets. I plan to run 12 AWG and use 20 amp breakers. Are 2 circuits the way to go? The room is about 450 SF and there will be lighting as well.
2006-12-27 14:54:21 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Per the National Electrical Code, each duplex outlet should be calculated at 1800 watts (or 1.5 amps at 120 volts). Since a 20 amp circuit should be derated to carry a sustained load of not more than 16 amps, you can put 10 outlets per 20 amp circuit so 2 circuits would be OK if you only have 3 or 4 light fixtures in addition. If you have more lighting (say, track or recessed down-lighting with multiple lamps) you might need a third circuit. Also, if you are going to have any appliance like a refrigerator, dehumidifier or microwave connected, each should have its own dedicated circuit. If you've got a computer connection, that would also be best served by a dedicated outlet or at least one that is not on the same circuit with any motor loads.
2006-12-27 15:18:45 · answer #1 · answered by c_kayak_fun 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just finished my girlfriend's 1100 sq ft basement and installed a full bath and a second setup for a washer/dryer. I even ran a 20 amp 220 line for her electric dryer.
I used 15 amp circuits and 14 awg which is cheaper and easier to install for normal 120 volt. I think that I ended up with installing 3 new 15 amp circuits plus the 220 circuit. However, there was already installed 1 or 2 more 15 amp circuits (it was partially finished already and it had some outlets).
Remember that normal household outlets are only rated for 15 amps which is why I prefer 15 amp circuits. I was told by a builder that BOCA Code says that a single circuit can handle up to 14 outlets or lights so you will need at least 2 circuits for 17 outlets and a few lights. However, it is better to plan for less outlets per circuit ... especially if you plan for high load devices like a basement refrigerator or a freezer on a circuit.
A 15 amp circuit can use 4 AWG - 2 wire (which is black, white and a ground).
Use 3 wire (black, white, red and a ground) for double pole switches run a line from each switch up to the lights (e.g., if you want to use switches on opposite ends of a room to turn on a light).
You might also want to use a GFCI on each circuit in the basement . . . just in case there is water leaking onto anything it will turn the circuit off faster.
Hope this helps. Good Luck on your project!
2006-12-27 15:18:57 · answer #2 · answered by Attorney 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not sure where you are, but up here in Alberta, Canada you can only have 12 outlets on one on circut. That's for safety in your home. Also up here we're still using only 14/2 and 15 amp breakers. Wiring codes will be different in other places but I would split the outlets in two. IN other words, 9 on one breaker and 8 on the other. In no way would I put them all on one breaker. If it ever blows you lose power to all the outlets at once and that's normally not much fun.
Dale
2006-12-27 15:21:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
c_kayak_fun is right, if these outlets ( receptacles) are for general use 2 circuits would be adequate. If you have room in the panel, I would put the lighting load on a separate circuit from any receptacle circuit.
2006-12-28 03:52:58 · answer #4 · answered by dallesasses 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep in mind several things, planning is important(what is feed off what outlet?/not to overload). A waterheater alone is 30amp, a dryer is to. Will you put in a bar, all new lights, entertainment system, custom fish tank, ect.? Figure out what your doing exactly, & spec's to your item.s you'll know if 2,or 4 will be needed. good luck!!!.
2006-12-27 15:19:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two circuits should be plenty depending on what all you plan on having running at the same time.
2006-12-27 15:01:36 · answer #6 · answered by tactnuke_1999 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋