min # of gen purpose breakers in a unit?

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malachi constant

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Minneapolis
In a single unit within a new multi-family dwelling (apt), is there a minimum number of general purpose lighting/receptacle breakers required? 2008 NEC.

As near as I can tell you start with Table 220.12, in conjunction with 220.14(J)(1). Let's say we have a small studio apartment, 650 square feet. 650sf X 3VA/sf = 1950VA. Then per 220.10 branch circuit loads are calculated based on this number. So 1950VA / 120V = 16.25A.

Unless I am missing something, in this instance the whole general purpose lighting/receptacle breaker requirements can be covered with one 20A/1P circuit. Thoughts?

I know this will be asked...so I'll mention it now. The Developer is adament that we install to code minimum, which is certainly legal. They can deal with the complaints (if there are any). They have along history of operating their own apartments so I don't have to feel any guilt about this being passed on and not communicated to an unwitting future Owner.

Also, I realize there are many other breaker requirements - 2 for the kitchen, 1 for bathroom, 1 for laundry, any fixed-in-place equipment (fridge, range, hoods, washer, dryer, AC/furnace, etc). I'm fine limiting discussion to the general receptacles but feel free to check me.

Thanks!
 
malachi constant said:
I
Also, I realize there are many other breaker requirements - 2 for the kitchen, 1 for bathroom, 1 for laundry, any fixed-in-place equipment (fridge, range, hoods, washer, dryer, AC/furnace, etc). I'm fine limiting discussion to the general receptacles but feel free to check me.

Thanks!
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FYI, fridges and gas ranges can be on the small appliance circuits, and a hard-wired hood can be on a lighting circuit.
A cord and plug hood fan has to be on a 20 amp individual circuit.
 
roger3829 said:
1 20a circuit should be ok. although 2 15a circuits may be better and cost less
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I agree and I disagree: better but not cheaper. I prefer separating lighting and receptacle loads, but I doubt it would be cheaper to do so.

Generally, I'd use a 20a circuit for receptacles and a 15a circuit for lghting, but for very few receptacles, two 15a circuits is adequate.
 
I would go the #14 and 2 circuit route if you are under 05' or older due to AFCI. If 08' one 20 amp general lighting circuit may be cheaper by $50 per unit. BIG MONEY for a cheap builder. Are they going to insulate or just stuff the construction garbage into the walls and ceilings to save on dump fee's ? :D
 
splinetto said:
The fridge doesnt have to be on a dedicated ckt, throw it on the SABC...Deja Vu
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Don't bet on that.On final if that new frig calls for dedicated circuit (many will) and your inspector is sharp you have a major problem.
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
Don't bet on that.On final if that new frig calls for dedicated circuit (many will) and your inspector is sharp you have a major problem.
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Will the really cheap owners buy a large enough refrigerator to need its own circuit? :-?
 
charlie said:
Will the really cheap owners buy a large enough refrigerator to need its own circuit? :-?
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Will the LL even SUPPLY a refrigerator?

I know in NJ - as a LL - I am not responsible to supply the tenant with a fridge.....so I don't.
Not that I'm cheap, but I don't want have to deal with:
- the leftover food stuffs when a tenant moves out
- cleaning the thing when a tenant moves out
- the tenants spoiled food issues should the thing breakdown
etc
 
celtic said:
Not that I'm cheap, but I don't want have to deal with:
- the leftover food stuffs when a tenant moves out
- cleaning the thing when a tenant moves out
- the tenants spoiled food issues should the thing breakdown
etc
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All that can fixed with money. :grin:
 
iwire said:
All that can fixed with money. :grin:
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True...but when I separate people from their money ~ I like to keep it

paulywalnuts.jpg


This is a triple whammy:
- you got the hairy eyebrow raise
- the malocchio AND
- a the head-tilt "Capisci quello che sto dicendo?"

[Capisci? for you out of towners]

:D
 
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