Jeffrey J. Kosowsky wrote:

We are about to install several new circuits as we upgrade the
electrical systems in this very old house.

- For "normal" rooms (i.e. not kitchen, bathroom, garage, workshop, or
outdoors), should one go with standard 15A circuits or should one put
in 20A "just in case"?

- Even if you just put in 15A breakers and receptacles now, does it pay
to pull through #12 wire just in case you ever later want to
upgrade?

- How big is the difference in price for wiring (per foot) and for
circuit breakers?

Thanks,
Jeff


#12 cable costs almost twice as much as #14, but it's such a small part
of the total cost it's the wrong place to try to save money. Use 20A
breakers and #12 wire for any branch circuit that has even one receptacle.

You can use #14 cable and 15A breakers for the lighting circuits to save
a little money and make it easier to wire.

BTW, those 39¢ duplex receptacles are false economy for any outlets that
you will actually use very often -- they wear out, so pay an extra
dollar and use heavy-duty 15A receptacles. I think they call them "spec
grade". You really don't need 20A receptacles for anything residential
(except maybe a dedicated circuit for a big window air conditioner.)

Just my opinions,
Bob