Basic Minimum Residential Electrical Installation Guide

FORMAT 1. Service 2. Feeders 3. Grounding Electrode System 4. Required Branch Circuits 5. Required Receptacle Outlets 6. Required Lighting Outlets 7. Hot Tubs Outdoor Installations 8. Hot Tubs Indoor Installations 9. GFCI Protection for Personnel 10. GFCI Protection for Equipment 11. Smoke Detectors 12. Requirements for Light Fixtures in Clothes Closets 13. Conductors Rated Ampacity 14. Spacing for Receptacle Outlets at Wall Spaces 15. Spacing for Receptacle Outlet at Kitchen Counter Tops 16. Placement of Receptacle Outlet at Bathroom Counters 17. Arc Fault Circuit Interuption Protection WARNING:
This text is intended as informational only, not to be construed as code text. As there are many variations to an electrical installation this is only a basic guide, not all inclusive.

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SERVICE 1. SERVICE DROP OR LATERAL

Each Dwelling shall be served by only one service drop or service lateral.

2. SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS

a. A service drop or lateral shall supply only one set of service entrance conductors. Parallel service entrance conductors are considered as being one set. Exception: A service drop or lateral shall be permitted to serve an additional set of service entrance conductors on residential property for an accessory structure. b. Service entrance conductors shall be sized for a computed load. The ungrounded conductors shall have an ampacity not less than the minimum rating of the service disconnect or 100 ampheres.

3. DISCONNECT REQUIRED
a. Means shall be provided to disconnect all service entrance conductors at a readily accessible location, located either inside or outside nearest the point of entrance to the structure served. b. Minimum size service disconnect on a one family dwelling shall be 100 amps. c. Minimum size service disconnect for accessory structures shall be 60 amps. d. Exceptions: (1) For one circuit-15 amps. (2) For no more than two two-wire circuits-30 amps.

4. CONDUCTOR SIZE FOR SERVICE ENTRANCE OR MAIN FEEDER CONDUCTORS

Copper 4 3 2 1 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 250 350 400 Aluminum 2 1 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 250 300 350 500 600 Service or Feeder Rating 100 110 125 150 175 200 225 250 300 350 400

5. OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
a. Overcurrent protection shall be installed in series with each ungrounded service entrance or feeder conductor that has a rating or setting not higher than the allowable ampacity of the conductor.

FEEDERS 1. MAIN FEEDERS TO A STRUCTURE SERVED ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

a. Each dwelling or accessory structure shall be served by only one feeder.

2. CONDUCTOR SIZE a. Feeder conductors that serve as the main power feeders to a dwelling, shall be sized the
same as service entrance conductors for a dwelling.

b. Feeders that do not carry 100% of the dwelling load, shall be of sufficient size to carry the
connected load.

c. Feeders for accessory structures shall have a minimum rating of 60 amps.

Exceptions:

1. For no more than two two wire circuits, the minimum size shall be 8 copper or 6 aluminum. 2. For a single branch circuit, the minumum shall be 12 copper or 10 aluminum. 3. DISCONNECTION a. Feeders that serve as the main power feeders for dwellings and their accessory structures
shall have the same disconnection requirements as service entrance conductors for a dwelling. b. The minimum rating for the feeder serving as the main power supply to a dwelling unit shall be 100 amps. c. The minimum rating for the feeder disconnect for an accessory structure shall be 60 amps. d. Exceptions:

1. For one circuits 15 amps. 2. For no more than two two wire circuits 30 amps. e. For outdoor feeders at dwelling units or accessory structures the required disconnect may
consist of no more than six circuit breakers. The sum of the amphere rating of these six breakers may be added together to meet the required minimum amphere rating for the above installations.

4. OVERCURRENT PROTECTION a. Feeders that serve as the main power feeders for dwellings and their accessory structures,
shall have the same overcurrent protection required for service entrance conductors. b. Feeders that do not serve 100% of the dwelling unit, or accessory structure load shall be protected for their rated ampacity, at the point where the conductors receive their supply.

GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM

Where available on the premises at each building or structure served, all items in A thru C below and any made electrodes in part D, shall be bonded together to form the grounding electrode system. Interior metal water piping located more than 5 feet from the point of entrance to the building shall not be used as part of the grounding electrode system nor used to interconnect the electrodes that are part of the grounding electrode system. The unspliced grounding electrode conductor shall be run to any convenient electrode on the electrode system. This conductor shall be sized for the largest grounding electrode conductor required for any of the available electrodes.

1. METAL UNDERGROUND WATER PIPE. A metal underground water pipe in direct contact with
the earth for 10 feet or more, including any well casing bonded to the pipe. A metal underground water pipe shall be supplemented by one of the electrodes in B C or D. Interior metal water piping located more than 5 from the point of entrane to the building shall not be used as an electrode nor to interconnect any of the required electrodes.

2. METAL FRAME OF THE BUILDING OR STRUCTURE. The metal frame of a building or

structure, where effectively grounded.

3. CONCRETE ENCASED ELECTRODE. An electrode encased by at least 2 of concrete, located

within and near the bottom of a concrete foundation or footing that is in direct contact with the earth, consisting of at least 20 of rebar of 20 of #4 bare copper.

4. MADE ELECTRODES. Where none of the electrodes in A, B, or C are available, one or more of
the electrodes specified in (a) or (b) shall be used. a. RODS: Rods of 5/8 by 8 galvanized steel or copper coated steel driven straight down, at no more than 45 degree angle, or at the bottom of a 30 trench. Two each installed 6 minimum apart. b. PLATE ELECTRODE: Plate electrodes of iron or steel shall expose no less than 2 ft square to exterior soil at a depth of no less than 30. c. Metal well casings that are not bonded to the metal water pipe. A metal underground gas piping system shall not be used as a grounding electrode. However the above ground portion of a gas piping system or any other metal piping systems shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor of the circuit likely to energize the piping system.

REQUIRED BRANCH CIRCUITS 1. At least 2 dedicated 20 amp circuits will be required to serve the kitchen counter top recptacles.
These circuits, or one or more additional 20 amp circuits, shall also serve the receptacle outlets in the kitchen, dining room, pantry, breakfast room and similar areas.

2. A dedicated 20 amp circuit shall be installed for the washer outlets. This circuit shall be permitted
to supply additional receptacle outlest in the laundry room.

3. A dedicated 20 amp circuit shall be installed for the bathroom countertop receptacles only. This
circuit may serve the receptacle outlets in all the bathrooms in the dwelling unit. If a 20 amp circuit is provided for one bathroom only, the lights and fans in the bathroom may also be installed on this circuit, provided no fastened in place piece of equipment is rated for more than 50% of the branch circuit rating.

4. At least one 15 amp circuit shall be installed for each 500 square feet for general lighting and
receptacle outlets.

5. One individual 20 amp branch circuit for a microwave hood where installed with a single 20 amp
receptacle outlet.

REQUIRED RECEPTICLE OUTLETS 1. In every habitable room no point along the floor line in any wall space shall be more than 6 feet
from an outlet. Wall space includes any wall 2 feet or wider, fixed panels of sliding or french type patio doors, fixed room dividers such as free standing bar type counters or hand railings.

2. Any hallway more than 10 feet in length shall have at least one receptacle outlet. 3. At least one weatherproof GFCI protected outlet shall be installed at the front and back of the
dwelling unit.

4. At least one GFCI portected outlet shall be installed in each attached or detached garage that has
power.

5. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed within 25 feet from all HAVAC equipment. 6. Receptacle outlets shall be installed on kitchen counter tops so that no part of the counter top is
more than 2 feet from an outlet.

7. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed for each counter top space on peninsular counter
tops that measure more than 24 inches from the leading edge of the counter top.

8. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed for each bathroom counter top within 36 inches of
each basin. Receptacle outlets shall not be installed in tub or shower spaces. These outlets should never be installed to where the cord length on a hair dryer, radio, razor etc would permit the device to fall into the tub. It is amazing how many people both adults and children are killed each year from this hazard.

9. At least one GFCI protected outlet shall be installed in crawl spaces that have electrical
equipment installed.

10. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in alcoves that are at least 2 feet deep and 3 feet
in length installed in hallways, foyers, entries, and landings.

11. Receptacle outlets installed in wet locations shall be listed weather resistant type. 12. All 15 and 20 amp, 120 volt receptacle outlets installed in dwelling units shall be listed tamper
resistant type.

13. Balconies, porches, and decks that are accessible from inside the dwelling unit that have an area
of more than 20 square feet shall have at least one GFCI protected receptacle outlet.

REQUIRED LIGHTING OUTLETS

1. At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room,
bathroom, laundry room and hallway.

2. At least one wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in attached garages and
detached garages that have power.

3. All exterior man doors including attached and detached garages with power shall have a wall
switch-controlled lighting outlet at the exterior of the door.

4. An under floor crawl space containing equipment shall have a wall switch located at the entrance
to the crawl space for a lighting outlet situated to illuminate the equipment.

5. Attic spaces with 32 square feet or more of floor space and 5 feet or more of headroom or that
have equipment installed, shall have a lighting outlet controlled at the entrance to the attic space. The lighting outlet shall be located so as to illuminate any equipment installed.

6. All stairways shall have a wall switch-controlled lighting outlet. Where the difference between floor
levels require 6 or more stair risers, there shall be a switch at each floor level.

7. Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors located at wall switch
locations provided they have a manual override that will function as a wall switch.

8. Switched receptacle outlets may be used in lieu of ceiling mounted outlets in habitable rooms
other than bathrooms and kitchens.

HOT TUBS 1. OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS

a. All hot tubs shall be supplied with GFCI protected circuit or have GFCI protection provided by the manufacturer. b. Hot tubs shall not be installed neither directly under nor within the space, measured 10 feet horizontally from the inside edge of the hot tub, existing service drop conductors or any other open overhead wiring. Exception: 1. Conductors rated 0-750 volts that are not less than 22 feet above the maximum water level. 2. Conductors rated 0-15 kv that are not less than 25 feet above the maximum water level 3. Conductors rated 0-27 kv that are not less than 27 feet above the maximum water level.

c. No receptacle outlets shall be installed within 6 feet from the inside wall of the hot tub. At least
one recrptacle outlet shall be installed between 6 and 20 feet from the inside wall of the hot tub. All receptacles located within 20 feet from the inside walls of the hot tub shall be GFCI protected.

d. Lighting fixtures, lighting outlets and paddle fans shall not be installed over the tub nor the area
extending 5 feet measured horizontally from the inside edge of the tub, unless no part of the fixture is less than 12 feet above the maximum water level of the tub.

e. Lighting fixtures and lighting outlets installed between 5 and 10 feet from the inside wall of the tub
shall be GFCI protected unless securely attached to the structure so that no part of the fixture is less than 5 feet above the maximum water level.

f. A disconnecting means shall be installed in sight from and not closer than 5 feet from the inside
walls of the hot tub.

g. Switching devices shall be located at least 5 feet minimum from the inside walls of the tub unless
separated from the tub by a solid fence, wall, or other permanent barrier.

h. Bonding: the following parts shall be bonded together with number 8 solid copper, threaded metal
piping and fittings, or metal to metal mounting on a common metal frame.

i.. All metal fittings within or attached to the hot tub structure including reinforcing steel.

ii. Metal parts of electrical eqiupment associated with the hot tubs water circulating system including pump motors. iii. Except where separated by a permanent barrier all metal raceways, metal piping, and fixed metal parts and surfaces that are within 5 feet measured horizontally from the inside walls of the tub and not more than 12 feet above the maximum water level. iv Small conductive surfaces not likely to become energized such as towel bars, mirror frames, air and water jets, drains not connected to metal piping, and similar equipment need not be bonded. 2. INDOOR INSTALLATIONS a. All hot tubs installed indoors shall be supplied with a GFCI protected circuit or have GFCI protection provided by the manufacturer. b. Receptacle outlets shall be located at least 6 feet minimum from the inside walls of the tub. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed between 6 and 10 feet from the inside walls of the hot tub. Receptacle outlets located within 10 feet from the inside walls of the hot tub shall be GFCI protected. c. Lighting fixtures, lighting outlets, and paddle fans located over the hot tub or within 5 feet measured horizontally from the inside walls of the hot tub shall be a minimum of 12 feet above the maximum water level. Luminaires shall be permitted no lower than 7 feet 6 inches above the maximum water level where GFCI protected. GFCI protected fixtures mounted surface or recessed that are of glass or plastic contruction shall be permitted to be installed closer than 7 feet 6 inches above a hot tub. Such fixtures shall be suitable from a damp location. d. Bonding: The following parts shall be bonded together by means of threaded metal piping and fittings, metal to metal mounting on a common frame or base, or number 8 solid copper. v. All metal fittings within or attached to the hot tub structure. vi. Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the hot tub water circulating system including the pump motors. vii. Metal conduit and metal piping within 5 feet from the inside walls of the hot tub that are not separated from the tub by a a permanent barrier. viii. All metal surfaces within 5 feet of the inside walls of the hot tub unless separated from the tub by a permanent barrier. Small conductive surfaces not likely to become energized such a towel bars, mirror frames, air and water jets, drain fittings not connected to metal piping, shall not require bonding. e. A disconnecting means shall be installed not closer than 5 feet from the inside walls of the hot tub and within sight from the tub. f. Switching devices shall be located at least 5 feet minimum from the inside walls of the tub unless separated from the tub by a solid fence, wall, or other permanent barrier.

GFCI PROTECTION FOR PERSONAL

The following 120 volt 15 and 20 amp receptacles shall be GFCI protected:

1. All kitchen counter top receptacles 2. All bathroom receptacles. 3. All outside receptacles. 4. All receptacles installed in crawl spaces. 5. All receptacles installed in accessory structures in grade level rooms not intended as habitable
and used as storage or workspace.

6. All receptacles installed in unfinished basements. 7. All counter top receptacles located within 6 feet from the edge of any sink. 8. All receptacles installed in attached or detached garages.
The following equipment shall be GFCI protected.

1. Hydromassage bathtubs. 2. Hot tubs. 3. Electric heating cables in floors in bathrooms, hydromassage bathtub, spa, and hot tub locations. GFI PROTECTION FOR EQUIPMENT
The following equipment shall be GFI protected:

1. Outdoor deicing and snow melting equipment 2. Heat tapes. 3. Heat tapes used for roof drains and gutters. SMOKE DETECTORS
Smoke detectors required: Smoke detectors shall be installed in each bedroom and outside each bedroom area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Detectors shall be installed on each story of a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars, but not crawl spaces or uninhabitable attic spaces. In dwelling units with split levels, detectors need be installed only on the upper level provided the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. If there is a door between levels then a detector shall be installed on each level. All smoke detectors shall be interconnected so that all required detectors in the dwelling unit will be actuated when any one detector is actuated. All detectors shall be approved and listed and shall be installed per the manufacturers listing. Required detectors shall not be installed in kitchens or garages, or in areas where the temperature can fall below 40 degrees F. Ionization detectors shall not be installed closer than 3 feet horizontally from:

1. The door to a kitchen 2. The door to a bathroom containing a tub or shower. 3. The supply registers of a forced air heating or cooling system, outside of the air flow from those
registers.

Detectors installed within 20 feet (direct linear path) of a cooking appliance shall be a photoelectric-type or the alarm shall have an approved alarm silencing means. When alterations, repairs, or additions requiring permits, or when one or more bedrooms are added to an existing dwelling unit, the entire dwelling unit shall have the required detectors installed. The detectors shall be hard wired and interconnected. Exception: Where the demolition of the remodel or addition does not allow the interconnection of the detectors, the detectors may be installed as line voltage or the 10-year lithium battery type, with no interconnection. Power source: The required detectors shall receive their primary power from the premises wiring system. Detectors shall be provided with 10 year battery back up and a hush feature.

REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHT FIXTURES IN CLOTHES CLOSETS

Fixture types permitted:

1. A surface mounted or recessed incandescent fixture with totally enclosed lamps. 2. A surface mounted or recessed fluorescent fixture.
Fixture types not permitted:

1. Pendant fixtures or lampholders. 2. Incandescent fixtures with open lamps or partially enclosed lamps.
Permitted locations:

1. Surface mounted incandescent or LED luminaires with totally enclosed lamps installed on the wall
above the door or on the ceiling, provided there is a minimum clearance of 12 inches between the edge of the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.

2. Surface mounted fluorescent fixtures mounted on the wall above the door or on the ceiling,
provided there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the edge of the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.

3. Recessed incandescent or LED luminaires with totally enclosed lamps installed on the wall of the
ceiling provided there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the edge of the fixture and the nearest point of storage space.

4. Recessed fluorescent fixtures on the wall or on the ceiling provided there is a minimum clearance
of 6 inches between the edge of the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.

5. Surface mounted flourescent or LED luminaires shall be permitted to be installed within the storage space where listed and identified for the use.
Definition of Storage Space: Storage space shall be defined as a volume bounded by the sides and back closet walls and planes extending from the floor vertically to a height of 6 feet or the highest clothes hanging rod and parallel to the walls at a horizontal distance of 24 inches from the sides and the back of the closet walls respectively, and continuing the closet ceiling parallel to the walls and back of the closet at a horizontal distance of 12 inches or the width of the shelf, whichever is greater.

CONDUCTORS RATED AMPACITY

Type NMB cable shall be rated as 40 degree C conductors. The ampacity rating for conductors in type NMB cable shall be:

1. 14 awg: 15 amps.

2. 12 awg: 20 amps. 3. 10 awg: 30 amps. 4. 8 awg: 40 amps. 5. 6 awg: 55 amps. 6. 4 awg: 70 amps.
Type SE and SER AL cables are rated for 75 degree C conductors. The ampacity rating for conductors in type SE and SER AL cable shall be:

1. 8 awg: 30 amps. 2. 6 awg: 40 amps. 3. 4 awg: 55 amps. 4. 3 awg: 65 amps. 5. 2 awg: 75 amps. 6. 1 awg: 85 amps. 7. 1/0 awg: 100 amps. 8. 2/0 awg: 115 amps. 9. 3/0 awg: 130 amps. 10. 4/0 awg: 150 amps. 11. 250 kcm awg: 170 amps. SPACING FOR RECEPTACLE OUTLETS AT WALL SPACES
Wall space is defined as any wall space 2 feet wide or wider, fixed panels of french or sliding exterior doors, and fixed room dividers such as free standing bars or hand rails. In every kitchen, family room, dining room, parlor, library, den, sunroom, bedroom, recreation room, or similar room, no point along the floor line shall be more than 6 feet from an outlet, measured horizontally.

SPACING FOR RECEPTACLE OUTLETS AT KITCHEN COUNTER TOPS

Receptacles shall be installed at each wall counter space 2 feet wide or wider. Receptacles shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 2 feet measured horizontally from a receptacle. These receptacles shall be installed no more than 18 inches above the counter top surface. Receptacle outlets shall not be installed face up in the counter top. At least 1 receptacle outlet shall be installed in each island counter space with a long dimension of 24 inches or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater. A peninsular countertop is measured from the connecting edge. At lest 1 receptacle outlet shall be installed at each peninsular counter space with a long dimension of 24 inches or greater and a short distance of 12 inches of greater. Counter space separated by counter mounted cooking units or sinks shall be considered separate counter spaces where less than 12" of countertop is behind the counter mounted cooking unit or sink.

Counter space behind corner mounted cooking units or sinks that are less than 36" from the farthest corner to the cooking unit or sink shall not be counted as wall line with respect to the requirements for receptacle outlets. No receptacle outlets are required in this space. Receptacle outlets at island and peninsular counterspaces may have the receptacles installed no more than 12 inches below the counter top, provided the counter top overhangs the cabinet no more than 6 inches.

PLACEMENT OF RECEPTACLE OUTLETS AT BATHROOM COUNTERS

At least 1 receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms within 36 inches of the edge of each basin. Receptacle outlets shall not be installed face up in the bathroom countertop. Receptacle outlets shall not be installed in a tub or shower space. Care should be taken never to install receptacle outlets so that cords on hair dryers, radios, curling irons, and such applicances will reach to fall into a bathtub. GFCI receptacles will not trip when an ungrounded appliance is immersed in water. There are many fatalities each year involving people both adult and children using electrical applicances in a tub or having one fall into the tub with them.

ARC-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTION PROTECTION

All branch circuits that supply 125 volt, 15 and 20 amp outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by an arcfault circuit interrupter listed to provide protection of the entire circuit. NOTE: "Outlets" include receptacle outlets, lighting outlets, and switching outlets. Exception: Outlets installed for smoke detectors.