1. Planning Electrical Circuits
Written by: Ryan Talton

2. Planning for the SEP and/or Sub panel
SEP should always be located near the service entrance
Might want to place the SEP close to large appliances and equipment that will require most electricity
Should be accessible at all times
Try to anticipate future needs when finding site
Never have SEP in clothes closet or bathroom
Box Should be installed inches above floor level
Can be installed flush or surface mount.

3. Outlet Spacing Overhead Lighting Wall Outlets (Receptacles)
May be placed in discretion of owner
In single overhead light should be in center of room
Wall Outlets (Receptacles)
No point on a unbroken wall measures greater than 6 feet
This includes wall space of 2 feet or more in width
Unbroken by doorways, fireplace, etc.
Most receptacles should be 12 and 16 inches above floor level

4. Kitchen Countertop Outlets (Receptacles)
Should always be installed at each counterpace no wider than 12 inches
Should be installed within 24 inches of each other on countertops
No more than 18 inches above countertops
All kitchen Receptacles should be GFCI protected
We will learn more about this later

5. Closet and Storage lighting Outlets
Surface mounted incandescent fixtures should be located 12 inches between fixtures and storage area
Surface mounted fluorescent- may be mounted within 6 inches of storage area
If recessed- both can be 6 inches from storage area.

6. Planning Small Appliance Branch Circuits
Determine the number of circuits necessary to meet wiring plan requirements
Larger homes may call for more circuits

7. What is a Small Appliance Branch Circuit
Generally supply power to kitchen counter top surfaces and dining room areas where small appliances are commonly used
Coffee makers, fry pans, blenders, toaster ovens, waffle irons

8. Planning General Purpose Branch Circuits
Make up the largest portion of the home wiring system
Include all ceiling and wall mounted lighting outlets and most receptacles
Not ones for a specific purpose
All circuits originate in SEP

9. How do I Calculate the Required Number of General Purpose Circuits
General Rule:
One General Purpose Circuit for every 500 square feet
2500 sq ft house= 5 gpc
What about a house that is 2240 sq ft
2240/500=4.48
This equals 4.48 gpc
Always go to the next highest number when figuring the number of circuits
So: 2240/500=5 gpc
Only figure the amount of heated space
Not garage or porch space

10. Balancing a Load Why is it important to balance a load?
General rules are:
10 outlets per 15 amp circuit General Purpose
13 outlets per 20 amp circuit General Purpose
If the above 10 or 13, add another circuit

11. Example Problem
40’
50’
Determine the number of general purpose circuits. (1 circuit for every 500’)

12. Answer to Example 1
40’x50’=2000 sq ft.
2000/500=4 GPC

13. Example 2
45’
65’
20 amp GPC
75 outlets

14. Answer to example 2 45’ x 65’=2925sq ft 2925/500=5.85
Need 6 circuits
75 outlets / 6 circuits= 12.5
Do we need to add another circuit?

15. Example 3
35’
Two story house
15 amp GP
55’ outlets

16. answer 35’ x 55’=1925 sq ft 1925 x 2=3850 sq ft for both floors
3850 / 500= 7.7
Need 8 circuits
96 outlets / 8 = 12 outlets per circuit
Do we need another circuit
Add 2 circuits
Need 10 general purpose circuits which would make it 9.6 outlets per circuit