Step-by-Step Instructions on Wiring a Basement Bedroom
The wiring of a basement bedroom requires knowledge about safe electrical wiring practices, and project planning, before a single gang box is installed. While some simpler electrical projects can be done by homeowners without permits, some communities require that all new electrical wiring be covered with a permit and inspected. In addition to creating life-safety hazards, you could seriously jeopardize your future home value if your DIY electrical work is not up to proper standards. Does this Spark an idea?
Know The Code
Contact your local government building office and find out about rules regarding electrical upgrade projects in your community. If a permit is required, get one. If you do certain kinds of electrical work without such a permit (and the inspections that go with such permits), chances are you will have to tear out and redo the electrical work at some time in the future, especially when you try to sell your home.
Study The Standards
If smaller DIY projects are permitted study and follow proper procedures. There are hundreds of excellent books about DIY electrical work on the market. Among the most common standard practices are making sure all electrical outlets are located at least 18 inches from the floor in a basement and no more than 10 feet apart to reduce the need for dangerous extension cords. All switches should be located on the inside of a door opening and 48 inches from the floor. Use the highest quality wiring of the proper gauge and with a ground wire. All wires going from the gang boxes to switches or outlets must be secured against the framing studs or joists, at least every 16 inches along the length of the line. No wire must be placed where a drywall screw can pierce it. All gang or junction boxes must be covered with a metal plate, and must not be overcrowded with too many splices. All slices must be contained inside a metal gang box.
Circuit Loads
Estimate the amount of current needed for the basement bedroom. Remember to estimate high: a blow dryer can draw 1,500 watts of power, a television set 300 watts, a radio 50 watts. If the occupant of the bedroom uses every available outlet--at the same time--the draw could easily be 3,600 watts of power. This amount of current would require a 30 amp circuit breaker. "Sharing" these power needs with another circuit in the home isn't wise and risks frequent circuit tripping, and worse dangers. Be prepared to add a new 20 amp or 30 amp circuit to your household service for this bedroom installation.
Locating Boxes
Install all the proper receptacle, switch, and gang junction boxes needed for the project in the proper positions first. Remember to make accommodations for wall coverings like drywall later on, and don't place receptacle or switch boxes either too "deep" or too "high" on the wall studs. Bore holes through wall studs and ceiling joists to accommodate runs of electrical wires between studs and joists. Never wrap a wire around the edge of a stud or joist.
Rough In Wiring
Run the proper gauge of insulated wiring (for the wattage loads-usually No. 12 gauge wire) from the receptacle or light fixture, back to the wall switch, back to any junction boxes, and then back to the main circuit breaker. Wire up the receptacles, lights, and switches, and create connections inside any gang junctions. Then, anchor the wire leads up and down the studs and joists with cable staples. Work backwards to the main service box and don't connect any of the new wiring to the service until the very last step of the project. This will prevent accidental electrocution since the entire system is "dead" until the last stage.
Connecting to Service
If you have no experience installing a new circuit breaker, contact a professional to complete this last stage for you. Making a mistake at this point in the project could result in death. Be aware that some licensed Union electricians will refuse to do this last step for you if your electrical wiring is not up to their professional standards.
Tags: electrical work, circuit breaker, electrical wiring, junction boxes, studs joists, amount current, basement bedroom
