How to Wire Outlets and Lights for a Room

Can lights and wall outlets be on the same circuit? Planning the Electrical Wiring When Adding a Room, Electrical Wiring for a Bedroom Light and Outlets.

Electrical Wiring for a Bedroom Light and Outlets
Electrical Question: Can lights and wall outlets be on the same circuit?

I’m adding an extra bedroom to my house.

• I was wondering if you can wire 4 outlets and the lights together to one circuit?
• Should I use a 15amp breaker or 20amp circuit breaker?

This home electrical wiring question came from: Josh, from Harrisburg, Arkansas.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical wiring question Josh.

Planning the Electrical Wiring When Adding a Room

Application: Electrical Wiring for a Room Addition.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits,  Extension Cords, and a Ladder as needed.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the type of wall coverings and structural construction and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring or upgrading existing electrical circuits and wiring should always be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Requirements for Wiring Outlets and Lighting

• Wiring Lights and Outlets
  It is typical that the room outlets and lights are wired together on one circuit.
• Bedroom AFCI Circuit
  For bedrooms this circuit must be AFCI protected which requires special planning. The circuit may be 120 volts 15 amps or 120 volts 20 amps.
• Bedroom Outlets
  For smaller bedrooms with general purpose a 15 amp circuit provides an adequate amount of power.
• Smoke Detector
  Keep in mind that the NEC requires that bedrooms are protected by interconnected smoke detectors, and there are several other NEC Electrical Code requirements as well.
• Permit and Inspection
  When wiring a room addition a building permit is required in most areas followed by inspections.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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