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Basement Electrical Wiring

basement-wiring Summary: Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Basement Electrical Wiring with Basic Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects*.

How to Install Basement Electrical Wiring


*Basement Electrical Devices
120 volt devices
Safety:
Smoke Detector
Gfci Outlet

Lighting - Surface, Recessed etc.
Electrical Convenience Outlets
Home Theatre System
Small Refrigerator
Kitchen Appliances
Dehumidifier
Sump Pump

240 volt equipment
Clothes Dryer
Baseboard Heaters

Sub-Panel Considerations
Correct amperage for all loads and future requirements such as Converting your Basement to a Living Space which may require a Conditioned Air Unit and Kitchen Devices.

Basement Electrical Code Requirements

Basement Electrical Circuit Wiring Considerations

Considerations to help determine Circuit Requirements:

Important Factor:
Find out if the Main Service or the Panel that will supply the circuits to the basement. Do they have adequate Load Capacity and space for the needed circuit breakers.

How big is your Basement? (Square Feet)
This will be used to help you lay out the basement with general purpose electrical outlets and any special equipment that will be needed.

Special Considerations:
Home Theater - Complete with Surround Sound and HDTV Wiring.
Additional Living Space or Studio Apartment which may include Kitchen Appliances.
Wire Types and Capacities
Cables and common wire types.

Devices and Junction Boxes
Select the right box for your application.

120/240 Volt Sub-Panel Circuit Requirements
4-Wire System consisting of:
2- Insulated Power Conductors (Black & Red)
1-Insulated Neutral Conductor (White)
1-Ground Conductor (Bare or Green)

Questions about Wiring a Basement


What would cause some Basement Outlets to Not Work?

Sue, a Handy Woman from Davenport, Iowa asks:
We just moved into a house and we have a finished room in the basement that has about 4-5 outlets. The outlets do not work on one side of the room all the way around. The other side of the room they do work fine. The lights on the wall have to be turned on by the switch on the light and they work. The light switches all work. I have checked the breakers and they are all okay. What could cause the other outlets not to work?

Dave’s Reply:
How to Fix Basement Outlets that do Not Work
Sue here are a few items that may help you get your outlets working:
Look for GFCI outlets and check to make sure they are not tripped, and reset as needed.
Turn off the circuit breaker that provides power to this area, then open the last outlet closest to the outlets that do not work and inspect for burnt wiring connections or any burnt portions of the outlet. Replace the outlet if it shows any signs of damage. Burnt or damaged wiring should be repaired by a licensed electrician.



  • Electrical Power Source for Basement Outlets

    • I am installing 3 new outlets in my basement. There is no extra breaker spot available in my box. Can I splice into an existing…


    • Wiring a Smoke Detector in a Basement

      • How to Install Smoke Detectors – Take the mystery out of smoke detector wiring for basements. Smoke alarms provide the earliest warning of both fire and smoke.


      • How to Install Wiring in a Basement

        • Can the Romex brand wire be used when Wiring a Basement? Romex or metal cable: What should be used when wiring a basement and how is the wiring protected. NEC Code Article Sections 336-6c, 333-11


        • Basement Circuits and Electrical Wiring

          • How do I determine how many circuits to use in a finished basement, excluding the bathroom, kitchen, and bar area? Circuit Planning for Basement Electrical Wiring.


          • Electric Cooktop Circuit Requirements for Renters

            • Cook Top Electrical Circuit Requirements – You can only supply 240 volts to a 2 burner 240 volt cook top, and the circuit would need to be rated at the specifications of the cook top that you have.



          Planning for Basement Electrical Wiring

          Question:
          I am trying to wire a basement bathroom. Power comes from panel to a light then another light then a switch. Can I take power from that switch which is the laundry room and bring it over and use it to power a switched light, a separate switched fan and a GFI receptacle. If so, can you please explain and/or diagram. Thanks

          Answer:
          Basement electrical circuit wiring should be planned out just as any other room of the home. The lighting may be continued as a branch of an existing light or general purpose circuit as long as there is enough circuit capacity to support the additional added load.
          Bathroom GFCI outlets however, must be wired as a dedicated 120 volt, 20 amp circuit or be added to an existing 120 volt, 20 amp bathroom outlet circuit.



Installing a Receptacle in a Basement for a Freezer

Samuel asks: I’m installing a receptacle circuit in an unfinished basement for a freezer. The new code wants me to install a GFCI receptacle because it’s an unfinished basement. I fear that using a GFCI might be susceptible to nuisance trips that would possibly ruin a freezer full of food. What do you think I should do here?

Dave’s Reply:
From what you have described, yes – you are correct, however in a case such as this it is acceptable to install a single (not a duplex) outlet, which has only one outlet. This is acceptable because the single outlet will be for the freezer only.

BX Cable for Basement Wiring

Mike asks:
Is BX Cable an acceptable substitute for conduit when wiring a basement remodel project?

Dave’s Reply:
Yes. BX Cable is typically allowed for basement electrical wiring projects.

The following may also assist you with your Basement Wiring Project:

Electrical Wire for the Home

For more information about Electrical Code
Electrical Code
Electrical Code