Electrical wiring questions
 

I have an old house that I am fixing up before I move in. It has a 100-amp
circuit breaker main electric panel. It also has old wiring -- some knob
and tub, some next generation "cloth covered" wiring, etc. No modern NM or
"Romex". Right now, I am putting in all new wiring and receptacles in the
first floor that is above an unfinished basement -- so access to the
receptacles is easy. I know how to connect the circuits, what wires go to
what, etc.

Here's my question:

If I'm putting in receptacles in the living room and dining room, and
running the horizontal wiring along the basement ceiling, how is the wiring
to each receptacle typically run?

Option 1 for me would be to run the wire to a junction box on the ceiling
below each receptacle and then run wiring from each junction box to each
receptacle.

Option 2 would be to not use junction boxes on the basement ceiling under
each receptacle. Instead, run the wiring along the basement ceiling, then
up to a receptacle, then back down to the basement ceil and on to the next
receptacle, then up to that receptacle, then back down and on the next
receptacle, etc.

Thanks.

Electrical wiring questions
 

On Jan 23, 8:21 pm, "BETA-32" wrote:
I have an old house that I am fixing up before I move in. It has a 100-amp
circuit breaker main electric panel. It also has old wiring -- some knob
and tub, some next generation "cloth covered" wiring, etc. No modern NM or
"Romex". Right now, I am putting in all new wiring and receptacles in the
first floor that is above an unfinished basement -- so access to the
receptacles is easy. I know how to connect the circuits, what wires go to
what, etc.

Here's my question:

If I'm putting in receptacles in the living room and dining room, and
running the horizontal wiring along the basement ceiling, how is the wiring
to each receptacle typically run?

Option 1 for me would be to run the wire to a junction box on the ceiling
below each receptacle and then run wiring from each junction box to each
receptacle.

Option 2 would be to not use junction boxes on the basement ceiling under
each receptacle. Instead, run the wiring along the basement ceiling, then
up to a receptacle, then back down to the basement ceil and on to the next
receptacle, then up to that receptacle, then back down and on the next
receptacle, etc.

Thanks.

Typically you would see option #2. Option #1 is OK to do but it is
more labor intensive and requires more parts.

Electrical wiring questions
 

wrote in message
...
Option 2 is the usual way. Fold the Romex over and smash the bend flat
(you are cutting it off anyway) Then you can poke it up into the hole
you drill in the sole plate. Don't put the old work box in the hole
you cut until you have found your wire. Make it up in the box and
shove it in the hole.

Thanks. I like the fold-the-romex idea.

Electrical wiring questions
 

"Eric9822" wrote in message
oups.com...

Typically you would see option #2. Option #1 is OK to do but it is
more labor intensive and requires more parts.


Thanks. I read someplace that a good design is to use less junction boxes,
so I was thinking Option 2.

Electrical wiring questions
 

photos may help:
http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/homew...ures/index.htm
faq at:
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/electrical-wiring/part1/

On Jan 23, 11:21 pm, "BETA-32" wrote:
I have an old house that I am fixing up before I move in. It has a 100-amp
circuit breaker main electric panel. It also has old wiring -- some knob
and tub, some next generation "cloth covered" wiring, etc. No modern NM or
"Romex". Right now, I am putting in all new wiring and receptacles in the
first floor that is above an unfinished basement -- so access to the
receptacles is easy. I know how to connect the circuits, what wires go to
what, etc.

Here's my question:

If I'm putting in receptacles in the living room and dining room, and
running the horizontal wiring along the basement ceiling, how is the wiring
to each receptacle typically run?

Option 1 for me would be to run the wire to a junction box on the ceiling
below each receptacle and then run wiring from each junction box to each
receptacle.

Option 2 would be to not use junction boxes on the basement ceiling under
each receptacle. Instead, run the wiring along the basement ceiling, then
up to a receptacle, then back down to the basement ceil and on to the next
receptacle, then up to that receptacle, then back down and on the next
receptacle, etc.

Thanks.

Electrical wiring questions
 

On Tue, 23 Jan 2007 23:21:13 -0500, "BETA-32"
wrote:

I have an old house that I am fixing up before I move in. It has a 100-amp
circuit breaker main electric panel. It also has old wiring -- some knob
and tub, some next generation "cloth covered" wiring, etc. No modern NM or
"Romex". Right now, I am putting in all new wiring and receptacles in the
first floor that is above an unfinished basement -- so access to the
receptacles is easy. I know how to connect the circuits, what wires go to
what, etc.

Here's my question:

If I'm putting in receptacles in the living room and dining room, and
running the horizontal wiring along the basement ceiling, how is the wiring
to each receptacle typically run?

Option 1 for me would be to run the wire to a junction box on the ceiling
below each receptacle and then run wiring from each junction box to each
receptacle.

Option 2 would be to not use junction boxes on the basement ceiling under
each receptacle. Instead, run the wiring along the basement ceiling, then
up to a receptacle, then back down to the basement ceil and on to the next
receptacle, then up to that receptacle, then back down and on the next
receptacle, etc.

Thanks.

Another reason to use #2..if you ever finish your basement, all those
extra boxes can't be buried behind walls or ceilings, so you would
have to flush them with the walls or ceiling and use blank covers,
which is both a pain and unattractive.

Paul

Electrical wiring questions
 

Option #2 is preferred, however if it's to difficult, you could use just a
couple junction boxes in the basement, with multiple cables coming from each
to individual outlets above



"BETA-32" wrote in message
. ..
I have an old house that I am fixing up before I move in. It has a 100-amp
circuit breaker main electric panel. It also has old wiring -- some knob
and tub, some next generation "cloth covered" wiring, etc. No modern NM or
"Romex". Right now, I am putting in all new wiring and receptacles in the
first floor that is above an unfinished basement -- so access to the
receptacles is easy. I know how to connect the circuits, what wires go to
what, etc.

Here's my question:

If I'm putting in receptacles in the living room and dining room, and
running the horizontal wiring along the basement ceiling, how is the
wiring to each receptacle typically run?

Option 1 for me would be to run the wire to a junction box on the ceiling
below each receptacle and then run wiring from each junction box to each
receptacle.

Option 2 would be to not use junction boxes on the basement ceiling under
each receptacle. Instead, run the wiring along the basement ceiling, then
up to a receptacle, then back down to the basement ceil and on to the next
receptacle, then up to that receptacle, then back down and on the next
receptacle, etc.

Thanks.

Electrical wiring questions
 

I would use option #1 except only run one cable to the receptacle.
That way you don't overcrowd the tiny receptacle boxes. The older
receptacle boxes are often undersized and I try to keep the wiring in
them to a minimum. Keep in mind that the new receptacles that you put
in existing boxes will most likely be larger then the ones that you
take out. If you are removing 2 prong outlets and replacing them with
3 prong outlets than this is definately the case. That and it won't be
so hard to push the receptacle into the box.

Electrical wiring questions
 

"BETA-32" wrote in message
. ..
I have an old house that I am fixing up before I move in. It has a 100-amp
circuit breaker main electric panel. It also has old wiring -- some knob
and tub, some next generation "cloth covered" wiring, etc. No modern NM or
"Romex". Right now, I am putting in all new wiring and receptacles in the
first floor that is above an unfinished basement -- so access to the
receptacles is easy. I know how to connect the circuits, what wires go to
what, etc.

Here's my question:

If I'm putting in receptacles in the living room and dining room, and
running the horizontal wiring along the basement ceiling, how is the
wiring to each receptacle typically run?

Option 1 for me would be to run the wire to a junction box on the ceiling
below each receptacle and then run wiring from each junction box to each
receptacle.

Option 2 would be to not use junction boxes on the basement ceiling under
each receptacle. Instead, run the wiring along the basement ceiling, then
up to a receptacle, then back down to the basement ceil and on to the next
receptacle, then up to that receptacle, then back down and on the next
receptacle, etc.

I suppose I agree with the majority opinion of #2; though neither solution
is elegant.
Just beware that it is alot of wire. If you get into a potential voltage
drop situation, step up the wire size; use #12 for a 15a circuit.

Electrical wiring questions
 

On 23 Jan 2007 21:17:42 -0800, "Eric9822"
wrote:



On Jan 23, 8:21 pm, "BETA-32" wrote:
I have an old house that I am fixing up before I move in. It has a 100-amp
circuit breaker main electric panel. It also has old wiring -- some knob
and tub, some next generation "cloth covered" wiring, etc. No modern NM or
"Romex". Right now, I am putting in all new wiring and receptacles in the
first floor that is above an unfinished basement -- so access to the
receptacles is easy. I know how to connect the circuits, what wires go to
what, etc.

Here's my question:

If I'm putting in receptacles in the living room and dining room, and
running the horizontal wiring along the basement ceiling, how is the wiring
to each receptacle typically run?

Option 1 for me would be to run the wire to a junction box on the ceiling
below each receptacle and then run wiring from each junction box to each
receptacle.

Option 2 would be to not use junction boxes on the basement ceiling under
each receptacle. Instead, run the wiring along the basement ceiling, then
up to a receptacle, then back down to the basement ceil and on to the next
receptacle, then up to that receptacle, then back down and on the next
receptacle, etc.

Thanks.

Typically you would see option #2. Option #1 is OK to do but it is
more labor intensive and requires more parts.

The wiring in the house I'm in now looks more like option #1. Since I
don't have a basement, the junction box is above the ceiling (ceiling
light box).
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Unlike biological evolution. 'intelligent design' is
not a genuine scientific theory and, therefore, has
no place in the curriculum of our nation's public
school classes." -- Ted Kennedy

Electrical wiring questions
 

I'm a wonderin' what the purpose of folding it over is.

thanks,

--
Steve Barker



wrote in message
...


Option 2 is the usual way. Fold the Romex over and smash the bend flat
(you are cutting it off anyway) Then you can poke it up into the hole
you drill in the sole plate. Don't put the old work box in the hole
you cut until you have found your wire. Make it up in the box and
shove it in the hole.

Electrical wiring questions
 

I'm a wonderin' what the purpose of folding it over is.

I think they were referring to the practice of folding over solid wire
in order to stuff it into the electrical boxes. An alternate would be
to use method #1 with stranded wire inside flex conduit for the runs
from the basement up to the receptacle. That would make it real easy
to push the receptacles into the box.

Electrical wiring questions
 

"Toller" wrote in message
...

"BETA-32" wrote in message
. ..
I have an old house that I am fixing up before I move in. It has a
100-amp circuit breaker main electric panel. It also has old wiring --
some knob and tub, some next generation "cloth covered" wiring, etc. No
modern NM or "Romex". Right now, I am putting in all new wiring and
receptacles in the first floor that is above an unfinished basement -- so
access to the receptacles is easy. I know how to connect the circuits,
what wires go to what, etc.

Here's my question:

If I'm putting in receptacles in the living room and dining room, and
running the horizontal wiring along the basement ceiling, how is the
wiring to each receptacle typically run?

Option 1 for me would be to run the wire to a junction box on the ceiling
below each receptacle and then run wiring from each junction box to each
receptacle.

Option 2 would be to not use junction boxes on the basement ceiling under
each receptacle. Instead, run the wiring along the basement ceiling,
then up to a receptacle, then back down to the basement ceil and on to
the next receptacle, then up to that receptacle, then back down and on
the next receptacle, etc.

I suppose I agree with the majority opinion of #2; though neither solution
is elegant.
Just beware that it is alot of wire. If you get into a potential voltage
drop situation, step up the wire size; use #12 for a 15a circuit.


Not sure what you don't think isn't elegant about #2. All new construction
is wired that way except the run from outlet box to outlet box is through
the studs instead of down 2 feet into the floor space below and back up 2
feet into the wall.

Steve.

Electrical wiring questions
 

On Jan 24, 10:10 am, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
I'm a wonderin' what the purpose of folding it over is.


Daisy-chaining the romex from one outlet box to the next?

Jerry

Electrical wiring questions
 

OHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.. I'm a visualizing it now. Thanks!

--
Steve Barker


wrote in message
oups.com...


On Jan 24, 10:10 am, "Steve Barker"
wrote:
I'm a wonderin' what the purpose of folding it over is.


Daisy-chaining the romex from one outlet box to the next?

Jerry

Electrical wiring questions
 

"Paul Franklin" wrote in message
...

Another reason to use #2..if you ever finish your basement, all those
extra boxes can't be buried behind walls or ceilings, so you would
have to flush them with the walls or ceiling and use blank covers,
which is both a pain and unattractive.

Good point. I hadn't thought of that.

Electrical wiring questions
 

"Toller" wrote in message
...
I suppose I agree with the majority opinion of #2; though neither solution
is elegant.
Just beware that it is alot of wire. If you get into a potential voltage
drop situation, step up the wire size; use #12 for a 15a circuit.

After doing a lot of research, I ended up deciding to use 12/2 wiring
everywhere regardless of whether it's a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit. The
additional cost in materials isn't all that much and since I'm already doing
the work, there's no extra labor involved either way.

Electrical wiring questions
 

On Thu, 25 Jan 2007 08:05:09 -0500, "BETA-32"
wrote:

"Toller" wrote in message
...
I suppose I agree with the majority opinion of #2; though neither solution
is elegant.
Just beware that it is alot of wire. If you get into a potential voltage
drop situation, step up the wire size; use #12 for a 15a circuit.

After doing a lot of research, I ended up deciding to use 12/2 wiring
everywhere regardless of whether it's a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit. The
additional cost in materials isn't all that much and since I'm already doing
the work, there's no extra labor involved either way.


14/2 fits in the backstab holes. I know someone who chose it for that
reason.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Unlike biological evolution. 'intelligent design' is
not a genuine scientific theory and, therefore, has
no place in the curriculum of our nation's public
school classes." -- Ted Kennedy

Electrical wiring questions
 

On Thu, 25 Jan 2007 21:17:44 -0500, wrote:

On Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:48:10 -0600, Mark Lloyd
wrote:

14/2 fits in the backstab holes. I know someone who chose it for that
reason.

The backstab holes only make sense for a bottom feeding contractor who
is going for the lowest possible bid. It certainly saves time but
reliability suffers. Homeowners wiring their own home should take the
extra minute to use the screws.

This was a homeowner. Also, it as not me. I use the screws.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Unlike biological evolution. 'intelligent design' is
not a genuine scientific theory and, therefore, has
no place in the curriculum of our nation's public
school classes." -- Ted Kennedy