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edzback · May 18, 2012, 03:10 PM

I recently put up framing walls in my basement and am now ready to install 7 15 amp outlets. I picked up a couple 30 amp 240 volt breakers from the hardware store. My questions are is it OK to use this size breaker for 15 amp outlets? And how many outlets can I hook up to 1 breaker? Building a bar in basement, but will moat likely just use the outlets for lights, maybe a TV,. not sure.

Stratmando · May 18, 2012, 04:12 PM

What size wire did you use? no matter, you will need to use a 20 amp Breaker(s), the larger wire will reduce voltage drop.
You could put them all on one as you describe. I might have a circuit for a refrigerator, Microwave, Blenders?

edzback · May 18, 2012, 04:42 PM

I'm no professional, between asking a friend @ work, and numerous YouTube videos I just went out and picked up the metal outlet boxes, 15 amp outlets cause they were inexpensive, and when I asked a friend what kind of wire he said 14-2 so I picked up a cpl hundred feet of the 14-2 wire. The problem I ran into was I didn't know what kind of breaker my box took, snap on, screw in.. ect etc... so once I found out it was a snap in, I ran to the hardware store and 30 amp was all they had. But I was reading some of god responses to other questions earlier and it made me nervous that I may be using the wrong size breaker, which is why I asked. So your saying, return the 30, for a 20 and I can put all 7 on 1 breaker? Originally I was going to put 4 on 1 breaker and 3 on another, but if I don't have to run more wire that would be good... was a pain the first time .

Stratmando · May 18, 2012, 04:47 PM

I figured you used number 10 since you mention 30 Amps. Since you used 14-2 you will have to use a 15 amp single pole breaker, I ALWAYS use number 12.
You may be able to run an additional line from the panel to half of the recepticles, and if Posible may try to get a #12 circuit(20 amps)recepticle so you could plug in a heater or something with some oomph.

stanfortyman · May 18, 2012, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by edzback

I'm no professional, between asking a friend @ work, and numerous YouTube videos I just went out and picked up the metal outlet boxes, 15 amp outlets cause they were inexpensive, and when I asked a friend what kind of wire he said 14-2 so I picked up a cpl hundred feet of the 14-2 wire. The problem I ran into was I didn't know what kind of breaker my box took, snap on, screw in..ect ect...so once I found out it was a snap in, I ran to the hardware store and 30 amp was all they had. But I was reading some of god responses to other questions earlier and it made me nervous that I may be using the wrong size breaker, which is why I asked. So your saying, return the 30, for a 20 and I can put all 7 on 1 breaker? Originally I was gonna put 4 on 1 breaker and 3 on another, but if I don't have to run more wire that would be good...was a pain the first time .

I would strongly suggest having an electrician come in and look at your work. It will be money well spent.

edzback · May 18, 2012, 05:59 PM

Ok great!! Thank you so much stratmando for your help, I will definitely follow your advice. :)

tkrussell · May 19, 2012, 03:31 AM

Consider yourself lucky, I do have to commend you to think of asking the question and doing research.

Imagine how many do it yourself'ers out there that have used a 30 amp breaker for a 15 amp circuit.

You have avoided a serious fire hazard.

Now all you need to worry about is if it is wired correctly, are the cables stapled and supported properly, are all the connections tight, are the metal boxes grounded properly, etc.

And, you have at least one hardwired AC smoke detector with battery backup located in the basement and interconnected with other detectors in the home.

edzback · May 19, 2012, 06:45 AM

Ok great!! Thank you so much stratmando for your help, I will definitely follow your advice. :) and TK... yes I do give myself credit for asking.. Haha if I could afford to pay an electrician to do it I would, but in my mind when I started this project, this was just some simple outlets. That said, I do know a cpl people 1 being an electrician over 30 years and served in Iraq as one. He lives 2 hours away, but I absolutely will get him to Pennsylvania in my neck to check everything before I go putting up drywall... thank you everyone for your help... p.s.. Smoke and carbon detectors with battery backup and wired to the entire house already installed :)

Stratmando · May 19, 2012, 07:27 AM

Before Drywall goes up, don't foget any Phone, Computer, Speaker, Alarm wiring, It doesn't get easier or cheaper than now(no drywall).
Since this is the bottom floor, also conside any wiring that can be fed through the ceiling to walls above for TV, Phone, etc...