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jrs034 · 11-02-2009, 04:35 PM

I am upgrading some lighting and wondering if these plans are correct/code.

joed · 11-02-2009, 05:37 PM

Not to code if you are in Canada. You are limited to 12 outlets in Canada. An outlet is a light or a receptacle.

**Scuba_Dave** · 11-02-2009, 06:52 PM

Where are you located?
What kind of room is this?
What is the box at one end of the outlet run - breaker panel?
Is the junction box holding the switches?
You want all 9 lights turning on by 1 switch ?

I usually run 15a for lights & 20 a for outlets

jrs034 · 11-02-2009, 07:42 PM

Located in Michigan
The box is the breaker panel
The boxes marked with "S" are the switches

1 switch for the lights
1 switch for one outlet

This would be for half of my basement

**Scuba_Dave** · 11-02-2009, 07:47 PM

I see nothing wrong
But I'd have 2 or 3 switches for the lights depending upon the layout
And I would put the outlets on a 2nd 20a circuit

You also want to eliminate that junction box or have the connections in the double gang switch box
The less junction boxes the better

vsheetz · 11-02-2009, 10:05 PM

Outlets and lights on separate circuits is best - IMHO. And outlets on 20A.

Plug in something that pops the breaker, you still have lights.
Full power available for outlets.
Lighting circuit not heavily loaded.
Etc.

spark plug · 11-02-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joed

Not to code if you are in Canada. You are limited to 12 outlets in Canada. An outlet is a light or a receptacle.

Also, a problem with "Box-fill" , in the Good Ol' US of A. According to NEC.

The devil (can't capitalize that) is in the Details

(No matter what) Don't Drink and Drive, Ever!!!

jrs034 · 11-02-2009, 10:35 PM

Thanks for the help.....I should have said that this is an existing circuit and I want to redo from the J box out. I mixed the plan up a bit. The last outlet at the end on the left will not be there and minus 2 of the lights. I do want to control all the lights with the 1 switch.

Why is the J box bad idea....is it because of code?

No overload/code issues?

The lights are cans.....and its really for about a 3rd of the basement

fltdek · 11-02-2009, 11:33 PM

If you separated the circuits, as mention in previous post, and which is typically the norm in electrical circuitry, this would eliminate the need for a juction box.

20A circuit for outlets
15A circuit for lighting

Junctioning wires has the potential for future problems to arise in that box, not necessarily saying it will, but is always a possibility, and if its covered (drywall) and you need to trouble shoot later on, now your looking for the box, openning up the wall to find the box...ect

vsheetz · 11-03-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fltdek

Junctioning wires has the potential for future problems to arise in that box, not necessarily saying it will, but is always a possibility, and if its covered (drywall) and you need to trouble shoot later on, now your looking for the box, openning up the wall to find the box...ect

Junction boxes have to be left accessable.

jrs034 · 11-03-2009, 01:22 AM

I can do it without the J box but I can't seperate the circuit...no room in the breakbox for another.
House was built 1969
Most of the circuits in the house have a mix of lights and outlets on them 15a and 20a.
I just want to change some of the lighting without having to redo the existing circuits or get a bigger breaker box. The changes in mind are small ( a few cans and florescents here and there). just want to make sure I'm not going over the 80%.

Most everything is not permantly covered(drop ceiling)....only some of the outlets are behind wall.

joed · 11-03-2009, 09:08 AM

You have no code issues with your plan as long as the junction box remains accessible. All of the suggestions are personal preferences.
If the basement is unfinished then you are required to use GFCI receptacles.