[elittos]

I am finishing my basement and am trying to determine the best elctrical wiring plan for the outlets as well as lighting. The basement will be divided in to 3 main sections; TV, Bar, & game area. For the electrical outlets, I've planned on 8 - 10 outlets max per circuit. Each circuit is a 15amp run back to the main breaker panel. My question is how to design the lighting power. Since I want each section to be controlled from its own switch, does each section require its own circuit? Since the TV area will have 11 x 60amp flood lights (dimmed), I suspect I need a separate circuit for this. However a section of the basement will be for storage and an exercise area. I rather have this diivided in to 3 lighting areas. Can I have one feeder circuit and run 3 parallel circuits; one for each lighting area?

Thank you for your consideration.

[ma0641]

First thing you need to do is look at all the power requirements. You mention exercise equipment-Treadmills draw a lot of power so I would consider putting this room on a separate circuit. You said "60 amp floods" I assume you mean 60 watt floods. 660 watts on a standard dimmer is 10% overload since they are rated at 600 watts. You can get a larger dimmer but they are relatively costly. I would run 2 lighting circuits, that way if a breaker trips you won't be in total darkness. 15 AMP breaker with 14/2 wire will handle 1800 watts. 20 AMP breaker with 12/2 will handle 2400 watts. Plan accordingly. Cheaper to run additional lines than have a possible fire from an overload.

[elittos]

Yes correct, I meant WATTs, not AMPs...

I am using 14/2 throughout. Thank you for the 1800 WATTs / 15AMPs, that is most definitely helpful. I did run a separate circuit for the treadmill and a few outlets that for the most part won't be used.

Let's use the 1800 WATTs/circuit to answer the bigger question. If the 3 areas each require 600 WATTs (just for discussion purposes), can I do this with one circuit? Technically I know I can run the parallel circuits, but is this the proper way to do this in a home?

[ma0641]

The maximum rated load may be. 600 watts per room but consider that you may or may not have everything on. Lighting loads can be drastically reduced by using CFL or LED lighting. Look at your breaker box main breaker, typically 150 or 200 Amps and add all the breakers. You will be well over. I have 3 rooms on my basement, ceiling fans in each but with CFL can lights, lots of them but the total is less than 800 watts with everything on. They are run on a 14/2 with a 12/2 homerun to a junction box and switch loops. Don't run a 20 Amp breaker on the 14.