Originally Posted By: bking
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I would do all of the following.
1. Install a subpanel in the basement.
2. Keep lights and outlets on different circuits.
3. Use 12 gauge wire and 20amp breakers for all outlets.
4. Use a different circuit for the 3 smoke detectors.
5. Use arc-fault breaker for bedroom outlets.
6. Install two double gang boxes at the entertainment center location.
7. Install a double gang box with accessible one inch conduit for low voltage wiring and future needs.
8. Run extra RG-6 coax and Cat5e or Cat6 cables and speaker lines.
9. Install a circuit for a ceiling heater/fan assembly in bath. These are sometimes required to be only 15amp circuit but run 12 gauge anyway.
10. Run 14/3 or 12/3 to all locations that might have a ceiling fan so that you can have a seperate wall switch for fan and light.
11. Consider having some outlets wired as switchable from a wall switch.
12. Install wiring for any heat or backup heat sources.
13. Install plenty of overhead lighting like recessed lights.
14. Consider intercom wiring or boxes and conduit for future use.
You can have a lot of outlets and lights on the same circuit but I would not have more than 8 outlets on a circuit. Lighting circuit depends on the wattage and number of bulbs that can be used so do not put too many on one circuit, about 6 to 8 is ok.
The feed for the subpanel depends on many things such as any large loads that may be added, water heater, other heaters, refrigerator etc.
I would go ahead and install the subpanel with 8gauge wire (blk, red,wht, gnd) and keep the neutrals isolated from the grounds.
It is a lot of work to do all this but much easier to "overkill" it now than try and add something later.
have fun ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)