[Austin V]

circuit using 12 or 14 gauge wire? I'm wiring a couple of rooms in my basement. I want to make sure I pass inspection so I need to know how many outlets / lights I can put on a 12 gauge and 14 gauge circuit.

[I don't exist]

no idea man

[Noah T. Hall]

I believe the formula would be: V X A = W with NEC specifies no more than 80% max load. 14g wire = 115V X 15A X 0.8 = 1380W 12g wire = 115V X 20A X 0.8 = 1840WTo calculate the lights you pretty much know what your wattage load will be from the fixtures you choose. For the outlets a good rule of thumb is 100 to 150 watts per outlet unless you are running motors or heating elements. Appliances should be calculated individually and most will require 12g wire and many need their own circuit for continuous duty.

[warren914]

NEC doesn't specify a maximum number of outlets or lights on a circuit. Some people claim there should be a maximum of 12 per circuit.

[Adolf Oliver Busch]

I wouldn't put any more than 8 openings (light, recp.) on a circuit. I also would only use #12 wire, especially if you are going to have appliances down there.

[Wylie Coyote]

Most modern construction uses 12 gauge. The cost is not that much more and you have better chance of expansion. Convenience outlets should be a separate circuit from the lights. You want to have enough power to run your appliances with not more than 80% load on the circuit. That would mean that if you are running 16 amps, the circuit is full, no more outlets. Lights generally use .5 amps, flourescent troffers, 1.5A (electronic ballast-4 lamp) Use more circuits where you want to use your power tools.