Electric Code question

I don't know but I'd guess that if a new outlet was installed in a bedroom, the receptacle would have to be on an arc fault breaker.

its a bad idea, since a tripped breaker will turn out the lights. so current code keeps them seperated......

AFAIK, there is no code requirement to keep receptacles on a separate circuit from lights. And Ashton could tap into a light circuit for an additional outlet. As M pointed out, if it's being added in an area that now requires, AFCI, GFCI, etc then those issues are supposed to be dealt with, but that's a different subject.

I have usually used a GFI receptacle when I add them, always if in a bathroom.

Don't know about thew US of A, but here in Canada lights and outlets on the same circuit are commonplace BUT there is a limit to how many loads can be on a circuit - can't remember offhand how many - but regardless of the current draw, only "X" devices per circuit.

Also, tapping into the lighting circuit at the switch is NOT a recommended practice. Better to daisy chain off an existing outlet - but even then it is important to know how the circuit is wired.

Not sure about "current" code, but "normal practice" or "best practices" a few years ago were lights and outlets "in a given room" on separate circuits, but lights in one room and outlets in another room could be on the same circuit. Been a few years since I worked with my dad, an electrician - and things DO change.

I'd heard that maybe 30 years ago, they try to keep the lights on separate circuit.

- . Christopher A. Young learn more about Jesus .

There is no restriction to the number of outlets, receptacle or otherwise on 15 and 20a circuits in general lighting areas. General lighting means just that, the 15 and 20 amp circuits in the dwelling and they can serve lights and receptacles. That changes a little in the kitchen or in bathrooms. but I am guessing that is not what we are talking about. The issue might be whether there is a neutral present. If so, no sweat. The other issue will be box fill. Usually the boxes tend to be full already so adding a circuit will overfill them.

In Canada there is a limit of 8 outlets on a 15 amp circuit. I believe a maximum of 12 combined outlets and lights.. Ontario code allows lights, for sure. Each individual light fixture: counts as 1 Ceiling fans: usually count as 3, 1.5 for lights & 1.5 for fan. Range hoods: count as 2 General purpose receptacles, hallway, living rooms etc: count as 1 Home theater, computer areas: if its a dedicated area, put it on its own cct. Garages and outside receptacles: don't go more than 2 per cct, Sumps: Usually by themselves, but do yourself a favor and put 1 regularly used light on with it (hallway,entry etc) that way if it does trip you'll know sooner rather than wetter.

Kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms have their own rules which you'd have to follow.

That is a design issue and the NEC says in the introduction that this is not a design manual, It only addresses safety. 240.4(D) insures you will trip a breaker before you overload the conductor on "small conductors". ( 14 & 12 ga) The 80% safety factor is built into the maximum breaker size (15 & 20a).

You have neutrals in your switch boxes in addition to the hot?

For newer construction in the US, that is standard. In other countries (like the UK) it isn't.

around here 14 gauge romex outer jacket is one color, and can only be put on a 15 amp breaker. normally used for lightng only.

coloured jacket not required by code though -----

Yes. I don't think I've ever seen a house out here without at least neutrals connecting teh medal boxes. For those I added a pigtail from the box to the new 3 prong outlet. But even seeing them was over 30 years ago when 2 prong outlets were still common.

That is the ground, not the neutral and you are creating a serious hazard using it for the neutral. (250.6)

Don't think I've seen the Crusher propose anything on newsgroups that wasn't either dangerous, illegal, stupid, or at least 2 out of the three.

Maybe I miss understood the intent of the original question. The power into the box is a black and white wire with ground. The white is Neutral, the black is hot and the bare copper is ground. The question that was asked was whether there were " neutrals in the box in addition to the hot". I assumed, and perhaps should not have, that the question being asked was not really about the neutral wire but about the ground wire since common old wiring in the houses I've had sometimes only provided the neutral and hot but often did not provide any ground connection all the way to the plug, only to the metal box... so that was the context of my answer.

So to your statement, no, that is not correct, I am not using the ground as a neutral, I'm using the "white and black" (neutral and hot) for the power and using the ground for the ground.

If leaving insults makes you feel better about yourself you've found the right place here in newsgroups. Knock yourself out and show us what a great personality you have.