Log in

View Full Version : Circuit planning for basement.


nibs75
Jul 30, 2007, 06:27 PM
So, I've been finishing my basement, and need to make some final decisions on the electric stuff. I've tossed around a few different ideas for the circuits, but can't decide. When my home was built the outlets and lights in rooms were all put on the same circuit. For example, bed 2&3 are on 1-15A (lights and outlets). I kind of like having the lights on separate circuits than the outlets, but don't know what common practice is.
For instance I have 1-15 amp circuit that is currently running the "generic" lights that were put up in the basement when it was built (unfinished). I have considered taking that and using it to power the lights in Bed 4&5 as well as bsmt bathroom light and closet light (under stairs). Then adding an additional 20A for all the outlets in bed 4&5.
20A for bsmt bath GFI.
20A for closet (all components will be there for home theater room).
20A for Bar GFI
20A for minfridge/bar sink pump
Then I also have 15 can lights, 4 in home theater, 9 in bsmt Ent, and 2 in bsmt hall. I was thinking of putting all 15 cans and the low voltage outlet (for bar lights in bsmt Ent) on 1-20A. Then run 1-20A for all outlets in home theater and bsmt Ent.

If I do it this way, I'm not sure how to take the one lead from the breaker box to power all the cans in different rooms. Do I run to the 1st switch, then keep the black going and splice off to each switch?

Stratmando
Jul 30, 2007, 07:06 PM
Least amount of wire is:
If it is romex, and you have access, run from breaker to first area light, and have a romex go down to switch location, then continue to second area light, one from there down to switch(connect black and white to switch, identify white with black tape) Then continue to 3rd location, same thing.
More wire is, is run from breaker to first switch location, 2 romexes back up,(1 to 1st set of lights, other, goes to
2nd switchbox, with 2 out(1 to second set of lights and second wire to 3rd switch location, then 1 out, up to lights.

Stratmando
Aug 1, 2007, 05:12 PM
Hopefully this will simplify, from breaker to one of 1st area lights. Leave 6" out, out of that light, go to one of second area set of lights, leave 6"out, Back out of that light to 1 of the 3rd area lights. Tie all lights together in each of the 3 areas. Then 1 12-2 down from each light to each switch. 1 wire hot, 1 will be switchleg back up to lights. That white should be identified as black or yellow(light switchleg).

nibs75
Aug 1, 2007, 08:04 PM
Yes, that makes sense. Thanks!

Stratmando
Aug 2, 2007, 05:02 AM
Don't forget any Coax for Sat or Cable, Phone, Network wiring, speakers, Alarm wiring.
Doesn't get easier or cheaper than now. Take Care
All your other plans sound good.