Basement electrical plan - Novice needs help!

ubefox

I am familiar with residential electric, but have limited knowledge when it comes to the breaker panel. I understand the limitations for the cable.

I am finishing a basement and planning the electrical layout. I have a 200 amp service, with only 5 slots left in the panel. I am planning on using both 12-2 and 14-2 wire for various areas. I am not sure if the remaining slots are sufficient to carry a home theater, 1/2 bath, bar w/fridge and beer meister & wet bar pump. I also plan to use about 25 recessed lights. So far I have 20 outlets planned. Any thoughts?

Also, is is permissible to land (2) 14-2 wires on a single breaker? Possible a 20amp? Combined they would carry (20) devices.

I do plan to have it inspected, but want to make sure it is right.

Thanks for any help.

goose134

In a word: no. It sounds like you'll be fine with five circuits. The lighting load will need to get split up if you are using 60 w lamps. The home theater is nice to have dedicated circuit. The half bath needs a GFI but you CAN tap into the exisisting bathroom GFI circuits provided that is the only load they serve. As for the wall outlets, be reasonable with how many you need. Residential does not give a VA rating for receptacles, and as a consequence we are left to fend for ourselves when determining how many per circuit.

If you feel that you'll need more circuits, you can run a 60 A sub panel off of the main and be done with it.

ubefox

Thanks for the reply.

So based on the number of devices that I have planned, I would assume that as long as the breaker can handle the load, then I don't have to strictly follow the (10) devices for the 14-2 or the twelve for the 12-2?

My home theater (14-2/15amp), bar (12-2 w/GFI/20amp) and bathroom (12-2 w/GFI/20amp) would go on their own dedicated breakers. I would then split the lighting (approx. 25 at 60w) and recepticals (20) using 14-2 between two 15amp breakers.

Sound okay.

goose134

Sounds OK to me, unless you've got some bigger stuff going in there it should be ok. I'm not sure about the bar dedicated circuit, but I remember you mentioned something about a keg cooler.

CowboyAndy

With only 5 slots left and the list you provided for what you want, it might be wise to add a sub panel now. From the sounds of it you may be able to fit it all, but will not have any room for any future expansion.