Two Bedrooms, One Circuit: Is It Safe?

can 2 bedrooms be on the same circuit

Whether or not two bedrooms can be on the same circuit is a matter of design choice. While some electricians prefer to have one circuit per room, others are comfortable with having two rooms on the same circuit. However, it is important to note that the number of circuits and the wiring used should be appropriate for the load and in accordance with local electrical codes and regulations.

Characteristics Values
Can two bedrooms be on the same circuit? Yes
Is it a good design? Opinions vary
Is it safe? Depends on the wire size and the number of outlets

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It's possible to put two bedrooms on the same circuit

It is possible to put two bedrooms on the same circuit. In fact, it is possible to put multiple rooms on the same circuit. There is no limit to the number of receptacles on a circuit. However, it is not always recommended to put multiple rooms on the same circuit.

One electrician recommends one circuit per room, including bedrooms. They also recommend combining the dining room and nook on the countertop circuit. They say they have never had a problem doing it this way, as long as window units are not being used. Another electrician agrees with this approach, especially when the homes do not have central HVAC.

However, another electrician says that they put the master bedroom and a home office on dedicated circuits. They also mention that the laundry room is the only place they run one receptacle circuit that stays inside that room.

One electrician says that they usually try to stick to 13 outlets for a 20-amp circuit of outlets and 10 for a 15-amp outlet circuit. They also mention that they split up the circuits for bedrooms and baths attached to bedrooms, and another for the main house lights.

Another electrician says that they always do one circuit per room because you never know what people will run. For example, they mention that people may use a window air conditioner in the heating season.

Ultimately, it is up to the electrician to decide how many rooms to put on the same circuit, and there may be local codes or regulations that need to be considered. It is important to consult with a licensed professional to ensure that any electrical work is done safely and in compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

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There's no limit to the number of receptacles on a circuit

There is no limit to the number of receptacles on a circuit in a residential installation as per the National Electrical Code (NEC). However, this does not apply to commercial installations, where the number of receptacles that can be installed on a branch circuit is limited.

In a dwelling, the number of receptacles is not restricted by the NEC, but by practical considerations. For example, too many outlets can increase the likelihood of overloading a circuit with connected appliances and lights. Additionally, long wire runs and numerous wire connections on a circuit with many receptacles can cause a drop in voltage for outlets further down the line.

A common rule of thumb is to have a maximum of 10 receptacle outlets per circuit and a minimum of one circuit per 500 square feet of floor area. It is also worth noting that the NEC requires a minimum of two 20-amp circuits for kitchen appliances.

While there is no maximum limit on the number of receptacles per circuit, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of having too many outlets on a single circuit.

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It's better to split rooms onto separate circuits

While it is possible to put two bedrooms on the same circuit, it is better to split rooms onto separate circuits. This is because if one circuit trips, there will still be power in the other room, reducing the possibility that the homeowner will run an extension cord and not call a professional.

Splitting rooms onto separate circuits also makes it easier to shut off the power in one room without affecting the other. This is especially important if you are working on something and need to turn off the power. With separate circuits, you can either use the lights or plug in a light.

Additionally, having separate circuits for each room allows for better organisation and clearer breaker labels. With everything on one circuit, the labels can become confusing and hard to understand, for example, "N wall, green bdrm + S Wall blue bdrm + Hall + Bathroom lights".

Finally, by having separate circuits, you can future-proof your home. As technology advances, we are likely to have more electronic devices in our homes that require power. By having separate circuits, you can help ensure that you do not overload your circuits and trip the breakers.

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A 20-amp circuit is overkill for bedrooms

In bedrooms, the biggest load is likely to be a flat-screen TV, or a PC, both of which would draw less than a couple of amps each. Even with several other items plugged in, such as a phone or tablet charger, the overall power usage is still likely to be well under the capacity of a 15-amp circuit.

Unless you are planning to use high-power devices such as portable heaters or air conditioning units, there is no need to install a 20-amp circuit in a bedroom. In fact, some people consider even 15-amp circuits to be overkill for bedrooms, and prefer to wire outlets with 14-amp circuits.

There are some situations where a 20-amp circuit may be beneficial, such as in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or other areas that will use some type of heating device. However, for general bedroom usage, a 15-amp circuit is more than sufficient.

In addition, it's worth noting that there is an extra cost associated with installing a 20-amp circuit due to the larger wire size and increased labour required for installation. Therefore, unless there is a specific need for a higher-amp circuit, it is generally not recommended to install a 20-amp circuit in a bedroom.

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A 15-amp circuit is sufficient for outlets and lighting

A 15-amp circuit is generally sufficient for outlets and lighting in a bedroom. However, it's important to note that the number of lights and outlets on a 15-amp circuit should not exceed the circuit's maximum capacity. As a rule of thumb, the load should not be more than 80% of the circuit's rated load. This means that a 15-amp circuit can typically handle up to 12 amps, which is equivalent to approximately 8 outlets and lights.

It's worth mentioning that electrical codes and regulations may vary depending on your region. While the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines, local codes take precedence. Therefore, it's essential to consult with a qualified electrician or refer to your local electrical codes before making any electrical installations.

When it comes to bedroom circuits, there are different approaches. Some electricians prefer to have one circuit per room, while others combine two adjacent bedrooms on the same circuit. Ultimately, it depends on the specific design and requirements of the house.

To ensure safety and avoid overloading the circuit, it's recommended to distribute your outlets throughout the house and avoid plugging in too many high-power appliances into the same circuit. Additionally, certain appliances, such as washers, may be placed on dedicated circuits to reduce the chances of overloading.

In conclusion, a 15-amp circuit is typically sufficient for outlets and lighting in bedrooms, but it's important to follow local electrical codes and distribute the electrical load appropriately to avoid any hazards.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on who you ask. Some electricians prefer to put each room on a separate circuit, while others are comfortable with putting two or more rooms on the same circuit.

If the circuit is overloaded, it could lead to overheating and pose a fire hazard. It's important to ensure that the breaker is the weakest link in the circuit to avoid this.

There is no limit to the number of receptacles on a circuit. However, it is essential to consider the anticipated load and ensure that the circuit is not overloaded.

Written by
  • Lara Beck
  • Lara Beck
    Author Home Renovation Professional
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