Basic Electrical Diagram

Users who are viewing this thread

jamz

New Member
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Ive been reading alot here about running Light Switch Outlets separate from Recept Outlets.
After speaking to a former inspector for my area, he agrees with all of you but also added that he likes to see new service for an area of the home to be brought to a J-Box as close to the area as possible. Then branch off to where needed. This is based on the conversation about my basement remodel where i will be installing a suspended ceiling grid panel system and it would be easier to access. He said it would look cleaner and more professional that way. I think I understand so I did a diagram. Is this what he is referring to.......

http://home.comcast.net/~swingjamz/basic_elec.JPG

And, what is everyones take on this? What makes for a cleaner installation for you?

JAmZ (Chicago,IL)
 

JWelectric

Electrical Contractor/Instructor
Messages
2,608
Reaction score
21
Points
38
Location
North Carolina
Don't switch the white wire in the switch but instead let it be spliced under a wire nut.

I personally wouldn't use the junction box necessarily. If I could access another box such as the switch or one of the receptacles it would be that many less joints for something to wrong.
 

jamz

New Member
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Points
0
jwelectric said:
Don't switch the white wire in the switch but instead let it be spliced under a wire nut.

I personally wouldn't use the junction box necessarily. If I could access another box such as the switch or one of the receptacles it would be that many less joints for something to wrong.

Your absolutely correct. Not sure why I showed it that way. Been a long day :( (revised drawing)

So, you would go directly into the switch box then branch out there? I could understand this as the box would be standing height accessable as opposed to a recept access down low.
 

480sparky

In the Trades
Messages
149
Reaction score
0
Points
0
The only problem with doing this is the current requirement to use AFCI protection in bedrooms (which will expand to all 15- and 20-amp 120v circuits when the 2008 is adopted). AFCI breakers won't work in mulit-wire branch circuits.

So if AFCI protection is required, youre best option is to use two 14/2 runs, one for the lights and the other for the receps. However, in all my years of wiring, it's an extremely rare case that having the lights and receps seperated is of any advantage.
 

JWelectric

Electrical Contractor/Instructor
Messages
2,608
Reaction score
21
Points
38
Location
North Carolina
jamz said:
Your absolutely correct. Not sure why I showed it that way. Been a long day :( (revised drawing)

So, you would go directly into the switch box then branch out there? I could understand this as the box would be standing height accessable as opposed to a recept access down low.
Good thinking.
 

jamz

New Member
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Points
0
480sparky said:
The only problem with doing this is the current requirement to use AFCI protection in bedrooms (which will expand to all 15- and 20-amp 120v circuits when the 2008 is adopted). AFCI breakers won't work in mulit-wire branch circuits.

So if AFCI protection is required, youre best option is to use two 14/2 runs, one for the lights and the other for the receps. However, in all my years of wiring, it's an extremely rare case that having the lights and receps seperated is of any advantage.

Ok, now im confused. Could you explain multi-wire branch circuit? In my drawing, im showing 2 separate 15a Single Pole CB's carrying 110v each. Yet they do share the same neutral. Is this a branch circuit or did I just show a 220v line? The Hots never meet. OMG....This is exactly why I'll have an electrician :D . But one is never to old to ask questions and learn.

BTW this is not a bedroom run. Just basic wiring (20 feet from panel) for Family Room lighting and recept.
 
Last edited:

480sparky

In the Trades
Messages
149
Reaction score
0
Points
0
jamz said:
Ok, now im confused. Could you explain multi-wire branch circuit? In my drawing, im showing 2 separate 15a Single Pole CB's carrying 110v each. Yet they do share the same neutral. Is this a branch circuit or did I just show a 220v line? The Hots never meet. OMG....This is exactly why I'll have an electrician :D . But one is never to old to ask questions and learn.

BTW this is not a bedroom run. Just basic wiring (20 feet from panel) for Family Room lighting and recept.

A Multi-Wire Branch Circuit is, by definition, exactly what you have, two hots sharing a commong neutral. If you ran two 14/2s instead, you would have two branch circuits.
Nothing inherently wrong with MWBC's, but with the 2008 NEC coming out, all residential 15- and 20-amp 120v circuits must have AFCI protection, and AFCI's won't work on MWBCs. But that's down the road... don't worry about it.
 

jamz

New Member
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Thanks for the clarification. I'm plan on a separate run for a bathroom that will contain a GFI. Do GFI's work under MWBC's?
 

480sparky

In the Trades
Messages
149
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Depends on where you're installing the GFI, as a breaker in the panel or as a device at the point of use.

A two-pole GFI breaker will work on a MWBC. But two single-pole GFI breakers cannot share a common neutral.

If you are installing a GFI device, then it must be installed after the two circuits are separated. In your drawing, the recep could be a GFI outlet with no problem.
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,771
Reaction score
1,191
Points
113
Location
New England
A GFCI senses the hot and neutral power flow. If there is a difference, it trips since the only place it could go is either through you or something else to ground.
 

jamz

New Member
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Do the new AFCI breakers contain both GFI and AFCI sensing circuitry? If so, would I still need a GFCI near a water source if the circuit is already protected by AFCI at the panel?
 

JWelectric

Electrical Contractor/Instructor
Messages
2,608
Reaction score
21
Points
38
Location
North Carolina
jamz said:
Do the new AFCI breakers contain both GFI and AFCI sensing circuitry? If so, would I still need a GFCI near a water source if the circuit is already protected by AFCI at the panel?

Yes



.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks