I am planning on wireing basement shop outlets. Do I need to use GFI outlets? Can I use one GFI outlet in a run with non GFI outlets? How many outlets can have in a circuit? Should I use 12/2 wire with a 20 amp circuit breaker?

Yes, I would use 12/2 wire and a 20 amp breaker. There probably is a code limit on outlets/circuit, but the important thing is how many amps are you pulling. I'd say a reasonable limit for a 20A circuit would be 4 or 5 (duplex) outlets.

As far as GFI's go, if there is no chance you could be standing in water while using your power tools, I'd skip them. My experience is that some shop equipment will trip them unexpectedly.

Hopefully, some of the other experts will chime in regarding if this is a National Electric Code issue or not.

Good Luck,
WallyH

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Originally Posted by WallyHelps

As far as GFI's go, if there is no chance you could be standing in water while using your power tools, I'd skip them. My experience is that some shop equipment will trip them unexpectedly.

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If this is an unfinished area of the basement, and a shop surely is, then GFIs are mandatory. Today's GFI's are mush more resistant to nuisance tripping.