estimating lighting and outlet receptacles

[MikeT]

So is there a general rule of thumb for this?  I have a project that is about 1200 sf with standard stuff.  I just counted in my larger main house the outlets and lights and came up with 25 lights and 50+ outlet receptacles.  Is this a good starting point?

mt

[MountainDon]

The NEC calls for receptacles (outlets) to be spaced no more than 12 feet apart. They word it differently, but that's what it comes down to. That's the minimum; serious thought should be given to having extras for entertainment centers, garages that might become workshops etc. I would rather have extras than be short. There are rules for hallways and staicases as well.

Then there are special rules for kitchens and bathrooms where GFCI's are required. GFCI's are also required for exterior receptacles, those in the laundry and the garage. Note that GFCI's can be wired so one feeds and protects all the downstream receptacles. You can also install GFCI breakers to feed protected power to all receptacles on a circuit.

Bedrooms require wiring with a AFCI type breaker for everything electric in the bedroom, including smoke detectors.

There are rules for lights; the kitchen and bathrooms must have a wall switch controlled ceiling light. Other rooms can use receptacles where one half is controlled by the wall switch.

I would advise the purchase of a guide book such as Wiring Simplified as there are numerous rule variations. You can usually find them at HD, Lowe's and other similar home supply centers. It is not a step by step how-to guide, rather it tells you what is required under the NEC. Then after reading and making notes plan the circuits out on a floor plan.

Some states, like CA, have their own extra requirements like kitchens and bathrooms need fluorescent fixtures. Not a fixture than will let you use a screw in CFL, but a fixture that takes only FL lamps.

[MountainDon]

Wiring Simplified: Based on the 2008 National Electrical Code

There's a new version of the NEC every three years, and some things do change.

http://www.amazon.com/Wiring-Simplified-Based-National-Electrical/dp/0971977933/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236397127&sr=1-1


Feel free to ask any specific questions here though.