[cej22]

I think I've got most things figured out, but I do have an open question about my wet bar. This is a small area with about seven linear feet of countertop space. I'll have a small microwave (~1000 watts) in the upper cabinetry on a shelf, and a counter-height mini fridge to power. I'll also have an outlet to supply a cordless phone charger, and then an outlet for general use. There will also be two small recessed lights.

All of the outlets will need to be GFCI protected due to their proximity to the sink, but would one 20 amp circuit be adequate for the entire wet bar area? If not, can I at least put all of the outlets on the same circuit and just put the lights on another?

 

[HABSFAN2006]

the problem will be the microwave, it doesn't take much to trip the breaker, if you have a few watts of lights, the fridge compressor running(which they run often on small fridges), and try to make some pop corn!
If you can put the micro on a seperate 15A breaker, do so, you'll be able to run 14.2 which is cheaper than the 12.2 the 20A will require.
The rest of the electrical can all be combined, using GFI where req'd.

 

[cej22]

That would leave me with the following. How does this sound? Should I do anything differently?

15A- Small microwave (wet bar)
15A- Mini fridge, two additional outlets, and two 50W can lights (wet bar)
15A- 12 75W cans (media room)
20A- 4 outlets to service a mid-fi home theater (media room)
20A- 2 lights, a GFCI, and a fan (bathroom)
15A- 9 outlets and two lights (this covers two bedrooms)
15A- 5 outlets and three light fixtures (media room)

 

[HABSFAN2006]

I like how you'r dividing it all up on seperate circuits.
For the 12 can lights on the same circuit, check local regulations to ensure it doesn't surpase your limit on recepticles on one circuit
(switch also counts)
i am presently in the same phase of my basement renovations,
just finishing up the lighting / wiring with most of the drywall done.
post some pictures when your done,
good luck,

 

[joed]

I have never heard of a switch counting as an outlet on a circuit.

 

[HABSFAN2006]

I have never heard of a switch counting as an outlet on a circuit.

I may be wrong, I am not an electrician.... but, i did read somewhere that switches count as receptical on the electrical circuits since they have wire connections that are held in an accessible box ( but they do not take power ) i hope someone will confirm this.

 

[J. V.]

I may be wrong, I am not an electrician.... but, i did read somewhere that switches count as receptical on the electrical circuits since they have wire connections that are held in an accessible box ( but they do not take power ) i hope someone will confirm this.

It's counted as a device (yoke) for box fill calculations. Nothing more. Since this is not a kitchen, you can pretty much do anything you want. You will need GFCI protection at the sink receptacles. :thumbsup:

 

[cej22]

Looks like I've only got room for six additional circuits, so I'm going to need to figure out how to make this work. I don't want to bother with a subpanel.

 

[HABSFAN2006]

you could put the 4 outlets in the media room + 5 outlets and three lights all one one. and, i am not sure why you are choosing 20A to service the home theater?

 

[cej22]

A minimum of one dedicated 20A circuit for home theater equipment seems to be the current trend. I would like to keep everything on that one wall isolated from the rest of the electical.

 

[HABSFAN2006]

I was not aware. I know I am setting up mine to have a dedicated regulare 15A, isolating it from other plug recepticles, but can't see the advantage of 20A, i would hope for there to be an advantage, and wouldn't do it just because it seems to be the trend. everything is more expensive...

 

[cej22]

I was not aware. I know I am setting up mine to have a dedicated regulare 15A, isolating it from other plug recepticles, but can't see the advantage of 20A, i would hope for there to be an advantage, and wouldn't do it just because it seems to be the trend. everything is more expensive...

I think I can handle the extra $20 for a 20A circuit. Dual subwoofers alone can be a power hog, not to mention a TV, receiver, satellite, DVD, etc. Seems like a no brainer to upgrade here.

 

[frenchelectrican]

That would leave me with the following. How does this sound? Should I do anything differently?

15A- Small microwave (wet bar)
15A- Mini fridge, two additional outlets, and two 50W can lights (wet bar)
15A- 12 75W cans (media room)
20A- 4 outlets to service a mid-fi home theater (media room)
20A- 2 lights, a GFCI, and a fan (bathroom)
15A- 9 outlets and two lights (this covers two bedrooms)
15A- 5 outlets and three light fixtures (media room)

I wrote a underline that part you have to be carefull some local code may not allow it and IMO this is a SABC { small appalince branch circuit } some inspector may frown on this one so check it ahead of the time.

Merci,Marc