Design should include freehand sketches and consultation of architectural product catalogs. The designer must consult the given floor plan and the National Electrical Code (NEC) and calculate
- the number of general lighting circuits and required wattage
- the number of special appliance circuits and required wattage
- the number of individual appliance circuits and required wattage
- total wattage and amperage requirements.
Design should also include selecting
- a distribution panel based on amperage requirements
- lights, types of switches, and switch locations
- outlet locations
- location for the distribution panel and meter base.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are some consequences of failing to follow NEC guidelines when designing an electrical system?
- What factors influence the location of switches and outlets?
- How is size and specification of the distribution panel determined?
- What factors influence the location of the distribution panel and meter base?