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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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
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Electrical Tip The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

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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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