How to lay electrical wire in an unfinished basement (guide)
Content
- Before you start
- An 8-Step Guide to Wiring an Unfinished Basement
- Summing up
Before you start wiring in an unfinished basement, you need to make a few decisions. For example, you need to decide what is the best location for the accessory panel, the amperage of the panel and switches, and the location of sockets, lamps, and switches. After solving the above things, it will not be difficult to conduct electrical wiring in an unfinished basement. You'll get a better idea of all the steps involved with this guide on how to run electrical wire in an unfinished basement.
In general, for the correct wiring process in the basement, follow these steps.
- First clear the basement and mark the path of the wire.
- Install a subpanel for the unfinished basement.
- Drill the studs according to the size of the wire.
- Run the cable from sockets, switches and lights to the subpanel.
- Run the wires over the exposed wood beams of the ceiling.
- Install lights, switches, sockets and other electrical appliances.
- Connect the wires to the switches.
That's all. Your unfinished basement wiring is now complete.
Before you start
Every time you wire a basement, you're starting the wiring process from scratch. So, you need to prepare everything. First, you need to prepare a good layout. Take a notebook and pencil and mark all the switches, sockets and lights in this notebook. For example, having a proper plan allows you to buy everything you need as early as possible. Buy the right amount of wires, sockets, switches and fixtures. Also, be sure to select the correct wire gauge.
Depending on the load and distance, select the correct wire gauge. Try using at least 14 gauge wire and 12 gauge wire. For 15 and 20 amp breakers, 14 gauge and 12 gauge wires work great.
An 8-Step Guide to Wiring an Unfinished Basement
What do you need
- Drill
- Hand saw or power saw
- Nippers
- plastic wire nuts
- Insulating tape
- Finding the herd
- Voltage tester
- Wire strippers
- Spiritual Level
- Additional panel 100A
- Sockets, switches, lights and wires
- Conduits, J-hooks, staples
- Screwdriver
Step 1 - Prepare the basement
First, an unfinished basement for electrical wiring should be equipped. Clean up the dust and debris that is in the basement. Remove any obstructions that might block the wire path. After cleaning the basement, mark the route of the wires. Be sure to select a suitable room for the subpanel. Choose the room closest to the main power line you plan to connect to the basement.
In most cases, all studs and beams can be installed in your basement. If so, then your job is a little easier. Mark all the necessary places on these studs and beams. Then start the drilling process. To do this, use drills of the appropriate size. You may need to use one size bit for wires and another size for electrical boxes.
However, if the basement does not already have studs and beams installed, you will need to install them before you start wiring the basement. It is almost impossible to install studs and beams once the wiring is completed. Also, you should install the roof beams and wall panels before wiring, given that you plan to run the wires over these beams. If all of the above requirements are met, you can proceed to step 2.
Step 2 - Install Sub Panel
Now it's time to install the sub-panel. For most basements, a 100A subpanel is more than adequate. However, if you need more power, choose a 200A auxiliary panel. It all depends on the load calculation. We will talk about it later. Select a 100A sub panel for now. Then get a supply line for this sub panel from your main line. Be sure to use the correct cable size for distance and current.
Use a conduit to route the main cable to the sub panel. Then install the additional panel in a pre-selected location.
Take a spirit level and level the sub-panel. Tighten the screw and install the sub panel.
Then connect the neutral wire to the neutral bar.
Connect the remaining two power wires to the sub panel.
After that, connect the switches to the auxiliary panel.
How to choose circuit breakers using load calculation?
If you are going to install an additional panel, you must be well versed in load calculations. The load calculation helps us determine the current strength of the subpanel and circuit breakers. Follow the example below.
Your basement is 500 feet2and you plan to install the following electrical devices in an unfinished basement. Power is indicated for all devices. (1)
- For lighting (10 incandescent lamps) = 600 W
- For outlets = 3000 W
- For other appliances = 1500 W
According to Joule's law,
Assuming the voltage is 240V,
For the above electrical devices, you will need approximately 22 amps. So a 100A subpanel is more than enough. But what about breakers?
Before choosing a circuit breaker, determine the number of circuits your basement will need. For this demonstration, let's assume there are three circuits (one for lighting, one for outlets, and one for other devices).
When you use a hydraulic breaker, you should not use its maximum power. Although a 20 amp circuit breaker is capable of delivering 20 amps, the recommended level is below 80%.
Therefore, if we use a 20A circuit breaker:
Recommended maximum load for circuit breaker 20 A = 20 x 80% = 16 A
Thus, it is safe to use 20A circuit breakers for a circuit that draws current below 16A.
For outlets, choose a 20A switch. For lighting and other devices, use two 15 or 10 A circuit breakers.
Keep in mind: Depending on your basement load calculation, the above breaker amperage and number of circuits may vary. If you are not satisfied with such calculations, feel free to contact an experienced electrician.
Step 3 - Start connection process
After installing the auxiliary panel and circuit breakers, run the wires in the basement. First, select wires with the correct gauge.
We're using 20 amp switches here, so use 12 or 10 gauge wire. For 15 amp switches, use 14 gauge wire. And for 10 amp switches, use 16 gauge wire.
Complete the wiring piece by piece. Instead of drilling studs, it is easy to mount electrical boxes on the stud.
So, unscrew the screws holding the electrical panel cover. Insert the wires into the box and thread them through the pre-drilled hole in the drywall. Then install the electrical box on the wall or rack by tightening the screws.
Drill more holes in the drywall and studs until you reach the sub panel. Follow the same procedure for all electrical boxes.
Tip: Always drill holes in a straight line and avoid drilling plumbing or other wiring behind a wall.
Step 4 - Install the J-Hooks and Bend the Cables
Now send the wires from the 1st electrical box to the 2nd box. And then the 3rd. Follow this pattern until you reach the sub-panel. When routing these wires, use J-hooks at each end. For example, you can use a spike finder to mark each side of the spikes. Two J hooks are enough for one fishing line. To install the J-hook, screw it to the wall with a screwdriver. When running wires, you may need to bend the wires at the corners.
Keep in mind: During wiring, install earth wires for all connections.
Step 5 - Fasten the Cable Next to the Boxes
After laying the wires from the electrical boxes to the subshield, tighten the wires near the boxes using clamps. And don't forget to do this for all electrical boxes. Secure the wires within six inches of the box.
Step 6 - Run wires across the ceiling
You will have to run the wires through the roof beams or wall panels for the lighting fixtures. You can easily attach wires to beams. Drill beams if necessary. Follow the same procedure as when connecting the electrical box. Do the same for other electrical devices.
Step 7 - Install all electrical devices
Then install all lights, switches, sockets and other electrical appliances. If you are using a single-phase circuit, connect the power wire, live wire, neutral wire and ground to the electrical boxes. There are three power wires in a three-phase circuit.
After connecting all devices, connect all wires to the breakers.
Connect the neutral wires to the neutral bar and the ground wires to the ground bar. At this point, remember to turn off the main switch.
Step 8 - Maintain Wiring
If you follow the above steps correctly, you will not experience any problems during the above process. However, this is an unfinished basement, so check and maintain the wiring regularly. If you find any issues, please fix them as soon as possible.
Summing up
The above eight-step guide is the best way to run electrical wiring in unfinished basements. However, if such tasks do not suit you, do not hesitate to hire an electrician. (2)
On the other hand, if you are willing to go through this process, remember to take the necessary precautions.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- What size wire for 30 amps 200 feet
- How to run wire through walls horizontally
- How to disconnect a wire from a plug-in connector
Recommendations
(1) basement - https://www.houzz.com/photos/basement-ideas-phbr0-bp~t_747
(2) hire an electrician - https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/how-to-hire-an-electrician/
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