[atticguy]

Hey guys, thanks much for your input.

While I'mhere I have a few other questions.

1)how high should outlets be roughed in off an unfinished floor?

2)switches?

Does code dictate how many outlets I can have on my 15 amp outlet circuit for my attic conversion? I want 12. They obviously won't come close to being over used. And I won't approach the 80% rule I heard. Just curious.

Thanks again.

Louie

[RickJ]

My rule of thumb is 18" for outlets and 48" for switches. Whether these are "official", I am not sure.

As for codes and number of outlets, I can't be sure if you have local codes that would dictate this, but 12 is certainly within reason.

[tkrussell]

Ricks rule of thumb is very common through out the industry. There is no requirement in the electric code for heights of outlets and switches.

There are codes for occupancies other than residential, such as any public building, store, office,school, etc. The codes are primarily from ADA, the American Disablites Act, which does lsit specific heights for devices.

Believe it or not, the code does not limit the amount of outlets on a residential circuit, only for all other occupancies, which is an allowance of 180 VA (AC Watts). This is what most people go by for a rule of thumb by the folwoing calculation:

15 amp circuit derated 80% allows 12 amps total or 1440 watts / 180 VA per outlet is a maximum of 8 outlets per 15 amp circuit.

20 amp circuit derated 80% allows 16 amps total or 1920 watts / 180 VA per outlet is a maximum of 10 outlets per 20 amp circuit.

So since this is a residential circuit, you may connect all 12 outlets on a 15 amp circuit.

Keep in mind the code is only minimums and maximiums. Common sense does need to be considered. For example, if you are going to have a window AC unit on a 15 amp circuit with 12 outlets, you will probably have some trouble with overloading the circuit, with the other loads on the circuit such as lights, TV etc.

Me personally, if I was designing the circuits, I would install two 20 amp circuits to the room, and have 6 outlets per circuit. Now the room can be used for anything in the future.