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mark21496 · Oct 24, 2005, 10:06 AM

I have previously wired a storage room in my basement, and tied into an existing circuit. The storage room run is switched, with 5 track lights, using a total of 600W maximum, with 3-4 receptacles at the end of the run.

I am now in the process of finishing the larger basement, and would like to tie the storage room into a new 15A circuit, consisting of (1) 2 additional receptacles on the front end of the circuit (closest to main panel), (2) a branch to 2 receptacles, and (3) another branch to 2 other receptacles, for lighting, which will be controlled by an additional switch. The attachment hoepfully provides illustratration.

My primary question is regarding the mix, and layout, of lights and receptacles. Is the mix here acceptable practice in general, and might there be any issue with the order of the lighting and receptacles in this case?

Thanks very much for your reply.

tkrussell · Oct 24, 2005, 02:50 PM

I see no problem with your circuit. The mix of devices and the order they are connected is irrelevant. Of course, switches must be wired ahead of the device being controlled.

This will be considered a general lighting branch circuit, can contain any blend of lights and outlets. You may consider if you plan to have any kind of heavy appliances, or computer, to add a circuit for each of those.

Don't forget to add at least one smoke detector, more if any of the spaces are for bedrooms. And if bedrooms, then ARC fault circuit is required.

Also, if any outlet is in an unfinished space those must be GFI protected.

Is'nt this fun? And for every code requiring something, there is a good valid purpose or reason.

A good reason to run another circuit for either lights, outlets, or mixed, is if one goes out you will still have a live circuit in the area.Code is only minimuns and maximums, exceeding the code to suit your needs is always recommended.

Hope this helps