[newish]

Hello

I am about to undertake the wiring of my unfinished basement and had a couple of questions specific to the Ontario Code.

1) Is it worth it to run a 20amp circuit (just for receptacles) for the home entertainment area of the basement or should 15amp be sufficient. Will mostly have just the normal stuff (2 tvs, gaming systems, power reclining couches) but may do a projector and upgraded sound system in the future. If I did 20amp what is the limit for receptacles?

2) Is there a minimum height requirement for general outlets?

3) What are requirements for the bathroom outlets? GFCI / AFCI of both?

That's it for now
Thanks in advance

 

[joed]

Not worth it in my opinion. Lighting can not be on a 20 amp circuit. lighting is only allowed on 15 amp circuits.
Outlet count is the same as a 15 amp circuit - 12.

No minimum height for receptacles.

GFCI required within bathroom. AFCI not required for bathroom receptacle.

 

[Kevin_Essiambre]

To add onto what Joed said,

Bathroom receptacle does not need arc fault protection if there are no other receptacles on the circuit.

Max of 12 receptacles per circuit for general use receptacles.

If it will be a finished basement... No more than 12' between receptacles on a wall, and must have a receptacle within 6' of an opening such as a doorway. And "usable wallspace" 3' or larger requires a receptacle... such as between 2 doors. If something will be considered a hallway, you won't need as many receptacles.

Technically there is a height limit for general use receptacles, but I cannot remember what the rule is. As long as you aren't mounting the receptacles 6' off the ground, you'll be fine.

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.

 

[joed]

There are required receptacles in finished areas as stated above. However you can add more receptacles at any height or spacing in addition to the required ones.

 

[Colbyt]

If not contrary to code I would make than a bit higher than normal for flood safety.

 

[rjniles]

If I ever build a new house (doubtful), I am mounting all the receptacles 3 feet off the floor. So I can reach them without getting down on my knees.

Sent from my RCT6A03W13E using Tapatalk

 

[newish]

Thanks guys, another question for ya. I am installing the thin recessed led lights with the attached junction boxes. How far can you go for the rough in inspection? Can I mount the boxes and run the wire into them as I would for other fixtures and outlets? Or do you run the wire only leaving loops for later install? I have an unfinished ceiling.

 

[CodeMatters]

Either will be fine. Only need to run the cables, but terminating them
in the driver box(es) does not impede RI inspection.

 

[newish]

In a 3 gang switch box can you pig tail all three switches off the single hot? I have a bathroom with 2 outlets, a vanity light, a shower light and a fan. I can run the source from anywhere in the room, any suggested routes? I’m thinking through the outlets first then to switches to lights and fan individually from each switch. I’m quite sure there’s a better way? (I realize that would make my whole circuit gfi and I would loose power to lights if it tripped)
Thanks

 

[joed]

In a 3 gang switch box can you pig tail all three switches off the single hot?

Yes no problem with that.
Your plan is fine but the lights don't need to be GFCI. Perhaps go to the receptacle closest to the switch first then branch to other receptacles from LOAD of GFCI and the light switches from the LINE side.

 

[newish]

Awesome thanks!!
Is there anything in the code regarding how much wire is left in the service loops? The first bunch I did I left them a little too long (maybe over 12 inches if they were straightened out) I didn’t see anything in regards to these

 

[joed]

There is no code requiring service loops. If you leave more than 300mm (1foot) you could be in trouble for not fastening with that distance of a box.

This is from the CEC. I don't have a copy of the Ontario code which based of this one.

12-510 Running of cable between boxes and fittings (see Appendices B and G)
Δ 1) Where the cable is run between boxes and fittings, it shall be supported by straps, Type 2S or 21S cable ties, or other devices located
a) within 300 mm of every box or fitting; and
b) at intervals of not more than 1.5 m throughout the run

 

[newish]

In a regular circuit when attaching receptacles in series does the neutral always have to be a pigtail? Or only if it’s a 3 wire situation? I know it’s not a bad idea to use pigtails but I’m putting in a few receptacles with USB chargers in them and they are huge at the back so the less wires the better I think.

Thanks for all the info

 

[Datawise]

If you are installing USB receptacles, you likely will need deep boxes.

I typically run a split to the TV / AV area so I have 2 @ 15 amp circuits.

Neutrals do not need to be pigtailed. Wire connectors effect your box fill calculations.

Cheers
John

 

[joed]

Pigtail is only required if it is a multi wire circuit or if there are more wires than screws. You can't put two wires under one screw on most receptacles.