I'm in the process of remodeling a home that I own but do not live in nor do I intend to keep for much longer; the house is 68 years old and so far I have had to replace all the plumbing, drainage, the septic tank, the well pump and water storage tank, the hot water tank and upgrade the bathroom with a complete remodel and addition of a shower surrond (there has never been more than a tub until now). My upcoming projects include a renovated kitchen and some minor touches to the remaining rooms. My biggest concern is the electrical, I know it is outdated and needs to be replaced, but there are a few questions I need answers to and don't want to waste my quickly deplenishing budget on things that do not add value to the house. For example a copy of the electrical code book for the state of Ohio. I have looked around the net and seen it for as little as fifty to sixty dollars and as high as one hundred. All I really need to know are:

1] How many items (outlets , lights and / or switches) can I place on one circuit?
2] Should or can light switches be wired in circuit or do they need to be wired like a tributary, in other words can I simply cut the main feed wire to the light and add a switch or do I need to have the switch on its own line which interupts the main circuit of the light?
3] If I'm replacing the old wiring (two conductor aluminum wire with a cloth insulation and a wrapped metal sleeve) do I need to remove it completely or can I simply cut it short and tape it or cap it off even if it will no longer carry any current?
4] Can I feed a single line to a junction box and split it into four or more lines from the box?

I'm sure more questions will arise later, but these are the ones I am facing problems with at the moment. Any one out there who can help? It will be greatly appreciated.
By the way, the current breaker box is a Pushmatic and has three 220 breakers and five single and two double throw 110's with five slots still open. The wiring in the house is a mis-matched, hodge podge of old and semi new and there are at least a dozen or more items on each circuit. I know this because when I turned off the breaker for the bathroom ceiling light, the hall light, both bedroom lights and part of the attic lost electricity as well.

So as I said, any help will be aprreciated.

Well, I don't know Ohio code specifically. Do you know what code cycle you are under?

I have to honestly ask, from the sound of your descriptions and explanations, are you sure you are experienced enough to do this work? I know it's not "rocket science" as so many like to say, but it IS important and there are lots of important codes to get right. Even the right practices are important and these cannot be taught over the internet.

That said, what is your real level of experience with electrical work?

Meanwhile, I'll try and answer your questions based on the NEC.

1) Basically any amount. Really.
We use common sense and logic when designing circuits.

2) I have no idea what you are asking here.

3) If you can access it cut it out. If it is buried you are allowed to kill it so that it cannot be connected again (ie: cut short) and leave it.

4) Yes, as long as you keep within box fill requirements, but WHY would you. Just go from device to device.

I think I know what #2 is about. Switch loops vs switched feeds.
A switch loop is where power is run to the fixtures and the switches are run to the fixtures vs power is run to the switch and then switched power to the fixture. Both are permissible. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. In the switch loop the white ends of the loop will be taped black and would be the switched hot.

If you want to be nice use 14/3 as the loop, so neutrals can be available in the wall switch. W=neutral, Blk = hot, red = switched hot. Just wire nut the neutral in the box.

There are other requirements such as where GFCI's, AFCI's and where 20 A circuits need to be.

The sticky in this section shows how you can read the NEC online for free. No printing or copying allowed.

Ok, some of this is very helpful, Thank you. As to my experience, I've been working with and / or doing electrical wiring since I was seven, I'm 37 now, is that experience enough?

As for the codes thing, I have always done what I have been taught or experienced through my years, but never actually read any of the codes themselves; but then again I've never tackled a whole house by myself before either. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't care, but since I'm selling the house down the road it has to be up to code in order to pass inspections.

As for the sticky, where exactly is that located?

It used to be there, now there is just stuff on Ceiling Fan Repair and about asking questions.

Note that just above Answer and Ask there is this line:
Home > Home & Garden > Electrical & Lighting » Electrical codes in Ohio . If you click on "Electrical and Lighting", there are "Stickies" at the top." These are in most sections and are somewhat of an FAQ.

The Link to read the NEC codes is here. It's the best kept secret and it's difficult to find.

So here is the link: NFPA 70: National Electrical Code®

Note at the bottom, there is the option to VIEW the particular revisions. I think registration is required now.

Thank you. I actually found this while doing an online search, but thought it was just advertisement for selling the book.