Wiring in Basement
#1
07-24-14, 04:26 AM
Wiring in Basement
My basement has only one outlet. I hope to finish it in the future and add several more outlets for lighting and general use (a bathroom, bedroom, game room). Question - my main breaker is in the garage. Would I need to install a sub panel in the basement or simply use a junction box?
#2
07-24-14, 04:32 AM
It depends on how many circuits you need and distance. Do you just need more receptacles? What loads will you have? What would the purpose of the junction box be? Normally you would just run a cable to the first device or fixture of the circuit and feed other devices and fixtures on the circuit from there.
Assumes garage is attached.
Assumes garage is attached.
#3
07-24-14, 05:26 AM
It's just a need for additional outlets - say 10, 120v. If I have 10 additional outlets feeding off the one existing outlet, would that cause the main breaker to trip? I have experienced that now with the one while having a TV, lamp and treadmill plugged in. It's not often but has tripped. I'd also like to relocate a freezer into the basement. Or maybe I just need a larger circuit in the main breaker?
#4
07-24-14, 06:23 AM
If I have 10 additional outlets feeding off the one existing outlet, would that cause the main breaker to trip?
maybe I just need a larger circuit
Code note: U.S. code does not limit the number of receptacles. Canadian code does.
#5
07-24-14, 07:24 AM
Member
would that cause the main breaker to trip?
#6
07-24-14, 10:11 AM
As Ray stated, it all depends on what you're planning on doing in your basement. For my kind of basement, I'd probably run 2 circuits for receptacles and one for lighting. I would run all 3 back to the main panel, since in my opinion it's easier/cheaper to run 3 cables back to the main panel than hassling with a sub panel.
Do you plan on any larger loads? Electric heater? Treadmill? Fridge/freezer?
Do you plan on any larger loads? Electric heater? Treadmill? Fridge/freezer?
#7
07-24-14, 01:03 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
The bathroom receptacle should be served by an 20 amp circuit. Depending on the layout and usage one or more circuits may be needed for the other parts of the basement. The existing load on the circuit matters also.
#8
07-24-14, 02:12 PM
Member
Do you plan on any larger loads? Electric heater? Treadmill? Fridge/freezer?
