Electrical Circuit Planning
Home Electrical Planning
Whether you’re planning an electrical upgrade of your existing home or you want to install a new electrical system, you should know some home electrical planning basics, such as electrical circuit planning.
Basics of Home Electrical Planning
Your home’s electrical system includes such things as:
- Electric meters
- Electrical boxes
- Household wiring
- Incoming power lines
- Service panels
- Switches and outlets.
Taken together, all of these components ensure that your appliances, lights and other equipment have the correct amount of power to operate.
Basic home electrical planning involves proper placement and distribution of electrical wiring and outlets. If you’re planning a new home or remodeling your existing home, take some time to determine your electric needs based on the appliances and fixtures currently in your home.
As you begin your electrical circuit planning, think of the ways in which you use electronics in your home and take notes about aspects of importance to you. For example, now is a good time to place a light in a previously dark corner or put a new electrical outlet in a more convenient location. You’ll want to consider audio, video and communication devices as well.
Doing some home electrical planning on your own will help your builder and your electrician understand exactly what you’re looking for, which can save you time and money down the road. You may also want to enlist the help of a qualified electrician to help you nail down the particulars of your plans.
Electrical Circuit Planning
Electrical circuit planning requires some general knowledge and adherence to guidelines. A basic rule to keep in mind is that you can place a maximum of 12 lights on one 15-amp circuit, but going for eight or 10 is generally a better idea. You’ll want to be sure to run large appliances, motors or pumps on their own separate circuit. A qualified electrician or contractor can always help you ensure your circuits, switches, receptacles and electrical boxes are placed correctly.
Electric Permits
Once your electrical circuit planning is complete, you must get a proper electrical permit before the work can begin. You need to acquire an electrical permit any time you install a new electrical service or wiring system or make modifications to existing circuits or systems. Electric permits are also required to relocate an appliance such as an electric hot water tank or furnace.