How many plugs and lights can i put on a single 20a breaker per code.?

Question

Doing a side job for a residential customer, shes having it inspected her self so I need to make sure everything is up to code. It's a finished attic, probobly 500 sq. feet. Theres already a 20a circuit running up. And a real hassle to fish another wire down to run another circuit. Shes putting 5 recessed lights in the cieling (50 watt), and I'm figuring a total of 5 plugs recepticles. For new homes, we usually run 12 wire for plugs, and a seperate 14 for lighting, but since theres already a 12 wire 20a up there, can I just tie everything on to that. She really only needs one or two plugs, but if i recall right, i think i remember someone saying there has to be a recepticle every 12 feet, if so, then i need to put 5-6 up there even though there not needed. Can i get away with that, and does it have to be every 12 feet? it's just a 30 foot rectangle room, i was gona put a plug in the middle on both sides and one on both ends, will this pass inspection?? or will i be required to run ..

Answer 1

Another way to put the spacing code on outlets is that you should be able to place a radio with a six foot cord anywhere along a wall and still be able to plug it in.  see simple......

Answer 2

The first guy is pretty much being an ***. If he really cared about safety , he would offer some help. Don't these idiot electricians realize that hoemowners aren't going to stop saving bucks by doing work themselves? If they really cared about others saftey they would pitch in and help, instead of just slamming people. I entirely wired all my homes I built and lived in (6), and all passed inspection (with a little advice) and none have burned down. As to your Question- yes 12 foot of wall per outlet was correct on my last wiring job. A single 20 amp circuit should be plenty for a room this size with lights on it also.

Answer 3

i didn't read a single word in your details,,,,, if you don't know how many watts equal 20 amps you are not qualified to be doing the work safety

and there is nothing i can tell in one paragraph that will stop you from burn down your house

edit.. i read your details... you lack on knowledge is proof why people need to hire electricians and not let the carpenter do the work

you are soooooo far from being code or understanding code i don't know where  to begin

not trying to be an  a$$hole but  It would take dozens of emails to get you even close to understand how to safely wire

not exaggerating  NOTHING in your details is even close to anything required in the code most is actually opposite of code  it is almost like you just made stuff up and said you heard it was code

please hire a electrician for the safety of the family that lives in the house

edit....I am a Master Electrician from Maine  I have over 30,000 hr of documented experience as an electrician

edit.. i care about safey here is a link to the last time i tried to help  

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

I was trying to show him some of the rules he didnt know instead of hiring a pro he took the little bit of advice i gave emailed me a thank you for telling him how to do it

I tried to explain i didnt inculed every rule but he didnt listen and still did the wiring himself....

IT WAS A SWIMMING POOL

edit here is the real rule for the number or plugs you need

(A) General Provisions. In every kitchen, family room,

dining room, living room, parlor, library, den, sunroom,

bedroom, recreation room, or similar room or area of

dwelling units, receptacle outlets shall be installed in accordance

with the general provisions specified in 210.52(A)(1)

through (A)(3).

(1) Spacing. Receptacles shall be installed such that no

point measured horizontally along the floor line in any wall

space is more than 1.8 m (6 ft) from a receptacle outlet.

(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall space shall

include the following:

(1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including

space measured around corners) and unbroken along the

floor line by doorways, fireplaces, and similar openings

(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls,

excluding sliding panels

(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers such as freestanding

bar-type counters or railings

(3) Floor Receptacles. Receptacle outlets in floors shall

not be counted as part of the required number of receptacle

outlets unless located within 450 mm (18 in.) of the wall.

where is anything mentioned about 12 feet you fools it doesnt ........that it how it works on a long str8 wall with no electric heat or doors

funny almost all states thinks it takes years  to learn how to safetly wire maybe you guys you let them know you just need to work in commerical constuction or own a home depot how to book

as long as it passes inspection it must be safe

here is a secrect 95% of inspectors are unquilfied

At this point most towns i work in no longer send inpsector to my job and yes inspector sometimes call me with questions

Answer 4

If there are existing smoke detectors in the house, the AHJ might make you add one up there even if it's called a rec room.  The existing 20 amp breaker will need to be changed to an arc-fault type.  And if they have you add a smoke detector, that will need to be AFCI protected as well.

As a rule of thumb, within 6' of the door, then every 10', and on any wall space 24" or larger, and everyones happy.

I know it's a little more than code, but it's usually a little more useful.

Also, are there existing switches illuminating the stairs up and down, they'll be needed too.

Answer 5

The codes vary by jurisdiction. NEC is the minimum requirements nationwide.  A receptacle must be within 6 feet of door and then no more than 12 away measured along the floor to the next one. Check with the AHJ in your area about the lights and receptacles on the same circuit, it should be possible to switch a receptacle and use a light fixture that plugs in to it. Since it is a 20 amp circuit you must use 12 ga copper for the wire.  If in doubt, call a qualified professional electrician to do the work.  Will it pass?  Maybe.  There is no requirement I know of for a separate light circuit in this case.  The lighting load is 250 watts/ 120 volts is 2+ amps.  Check with the AHJ.