Concrete Basement Electrical

Show location and size of electrical panel (if new) and location of all new receptacles, lights, ceiling fans, exhaust fans and switches on the floor plans or indicate as a performance specification. Identify all 240-volt receptacles/circuits. Indicate which light and/or switches control receptacles. If proposed, show baseboard heater locations.

The dimension of the working space in the direction of access to panelboards shall not be less than 36 inches in depth and 30 inches in width. The workspace shall be clear and shall extend from the floor or platform to a height of 6 feet 6 inches. In all cases, the workspace shall allow at least a 90-degree opening of panel doors or hinged parts. A dedicated space directly over a panelboard that extends from the panelboard to the ceiling shall be kept clear of unrelated equipment. This required workspace shall not be designated for storage. Panelboards shall not be located in closets or bathrooms.

Ground fault circuit interrupters are required for receptacles and/or circuits installed in the following locations:

  • Bathrooms
  • Unfinished basement spaces except for laundry circuit and single receptacle dedicated to sump pumps.
  • Receptacles to serve counter top surfaces within 6' of a wet bar.

Receptacles are required to be installed in the following areas:

  • In all habitable rooms except bathrooms so that no space along a wall is more than 6' from a receptacle.
  • All wall areas 2' wide or greater required receptacles.
  • In hallways of 10' or more in length.
  • In bathrooms installed adjacent to the basin.
  • At least one receptacle in laundry area and at least one receptacle in basement unfinished area in addition to the laundry receptacle.

Lighting is required in the following areas:

  • At least one wall switched lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room, bathroom, hallway, stairway and at exterior doors.
  • Lighting installed at interior stairways shall have an illuminated wall switch at each floor level separated by 6 or more steps.
  • At least one lighting outlet is required in each unfinished basement space or utility room that is used for storage or contains heating, air-conditioning or other equipment requiring servicing.
  • The light switch shall be located at the point of entry.

Lighting in clothes closets:

  • The use of incandescent fixtures with open or only partially enclosed lamps and the use of pendant fixtures are prohibited.
  • Fixtures may be located only where there are the following minimum clearances to the nearest point of storage space.
  • Surface mounted incandescent fixtures - 12" minimum.
  • Surface mounted florescent fixtures and recessed fixtures - 6" minimum.

Electrical panels:

  • Circuit breaker panels shall not be concealed and are not permitted in bathrooms or clothes closets.
  • Lighting is required in the vicinity of the electrical panel.
  • A minimum of 3' clearance is required in front of existing electrical panels.

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