[dawgindayton]

We are finishing a 1600SF basement... 200A Service Panel with 12 open slots...

I want to run 14-2 and 14-3 for the entire project... 15A circuits with no more than 8 outlets or 6 recessed lights with 65W floods on any one breaker...

Also have a bathroom with a shower going in...

In the bathroom can I run one 15A circuit for 4 lights, one GFCI and the exhaust fan?. The lights and fan WILL NOT be GFI Protected... I'm wondering if the exhaust fan needs to be on its own circuit??

Also... Is it code to have any outlets controlled by wall switches in a basement??

[tkrussell]

A bathroom is required to have at least one 20 amp circuit for the receptacle. You may have the lights and fan just for this bathroom on this circuit, with GFI protection only needed for the outlet.

The fan will not need a separate circuit, unless it is the type that has a heater built in.

All the lights and outlets in the other rooms outside of the bathroom will need Arc Fault protection. This is best done with 2 wire cable to each circuit and outlet, no shared neutrals.

Each room is to have a lighting outlet with at least one switch, this can be ceiling lights, or at least one switched wall receptacle for table lamps.

You will also need at least one smoke detector in the basement, and one in each room that will be a bedroom. You will need to check local code to learn if smoke detectors need to be Arc Fault protection for these.

You may use #14 for the basement wiring, other than the bathroom, which needs all #12. You may be better served by using 20 amp circuits and all #12 wire for the entire basement, but not necessary.

Any general purpose outlets left in any unfinished area of the basement still needs GFI protection. Not so for outlets for sump pumps, refrigerators, etc.

This is all based on the 2008 National Electric Code. You should consult with local codes for any changes, and apply for permits.

[stanfortyman]

OK, you can run #14 for everything except the bath receptacle. That MUST be on a 20A circuit. If the circuit does not leave the bath you can put everything in there on that one 20A circuit. Or you can just have the receptacle and share the lighting and fan with another circuit.

NO, the fan does not have to be dedicated. It is a tiny load, equal to about one light bulb.
The only time you need GFI protection for the fan is if it is over the tub/shower.

Also, you can have WAY more than six recessed cans on a 15A circuit. Like 15-20 if you need. With multiple switches the load is VERY diverse.

Certainly you can have switched receptacles in a basement. Nothing wrong with it.

[stanfortyman]

TK brings up a good point.
Be VERY careful with basement bedrooms. Building codes are VERY strict with regard to this. Things like window area and means of egress. Those tiny basement windows DO NOT cut it for a bedroom.
In many cases it is not worth it to even have bedrooms.

And I agree to check with your local code office. See what electrical codes you are under. Arc faults may not be required at all, or only for bedroom receptacles. It depends on your code cycle and if there are any amendments.