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JamesSnyder · Nov 16, 2007, 12:56 PM

How many outlets can you put on a 15 amp circuit?
I am doing some wiring in a new garage I just built onto my house. The electrician I used never came back to finish the job and stop returning my calls. I am pretty sure I can finish it myself but I am having trouble. According to the plans all the lights and outlets are on one 15 amp circuit. This did get approved by the city to get the permits. All I had to do to finish the job is put 2 more outlets in, so I ran the wires and tied them into the last outlet on the line, but every time I flip the breaker it pops back instantly. There is nothing plugged into any of the outlets to be drawing a current. The plans have 2 lights and 6 outlets on one circuit, is this to many? If not what are other possibilities of what is causing the problem? When I disconnect the 2 new outlets and the problem stops.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Stratmando · Nov 17, 2007, 08:32 AM

The short is in one of the 2 outlets, or both.
Turn off power, remove, and you will probably see the problem, look for any connection between the hot and neutral or ground. Also look for damage to wiring, if romex, did staple
Pinch through insullation?
I would have lighting on separate circuit. I might also have at least a 20 amp circuit with #12 wiring, for maybe a small heater, or whatever.

HardWorkingMan · Nov 17, 2007, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by JamesSnyder

How many outlets can you put on a 15 amp circuit?
I am doing some wiring in a new garage I just built onto my house. The electrician I used never came back to finish the job and stop returning my calls. I am pretty sure I can finish it myself but I am having trouble. According to the plans all the lights and outlets are on one 15 amp circuit. This did get approved by the city to get the permits. All I had to do to finish the job is put 2 more outlets in, so I ran the wires and and tied them into the last outlet on the line, but every time I flip the breaker it pops back instantly. There is nothing plugged into any of the outlets to be drawing a current. The plans have 2 lights and 6 outlets on one circuit, is this to many? If not what are other possibilities of what is causing the problem? When I disconnect the 2 new outlets and the problem stops.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

I had a problem like this. I ran two circuts using a 12 3 wire for outlets behind a bar. After splicing and capping off all my conections I flip the breaker it tripped. My problem was the ground was touching my hot lead two outlets in the line

labman · Nov 17, 2007, 09:30 PM

As long as they are wired right, the breaker will never trip until you try to run too many things at once. After adding another 4 outlets by my work bench, I realize I have 16 outlets on one 20 amp circuit. There are mostly places I want to plug in a tool, and I usually only use one at a time.