Ted,

I'm not an electrician, but in my work as a contractor my experience tells me it would be unlikely that only two outlet receptacles are required in each bedroom-- my assumption is the length of contiguous walls in the bedrooms require more receptacles. There are rules that state where outlet receptacles must be placed on residential walls. See the IRC or NEC or whatever other "code" may be applicable to your local.

Tom, I was thinking of that in the meanwhile, and had already concluded that I would add another receptacle to each bedroom. I read some old threads and got the lowdown, basically no point along the wall to be more than 6' from a receptacle. It was interesting about the starting over at doorways.

Matter of fact, it would make the rewiring easier as the existing wiring to the receptacles are run down the angled knee walls, and I was wondering how I was going to run the new wire. I can drop down a vertical wall for the added receptacle and sting to the existing other two now.

Thanks,

Ted

I would appreciate professional advice on this. Here are my thoughts.

I am thinking a 30A subpanel would do the job, with a 10/3 feeder. If there is reason to go to 8/3, I would not have a problem in moving up.

I see in the FAQ, that 4 conductor is suggested, but I presume that is because it is for exterior and power tools application, and would not apply in my case.

Thanks,

Ted

I know one thing you cannot hide the sub panel in a closet. You are going to need receptacles every 12 ft on a wall. 6 ft is better. I would just run 3 circuits up to the 2nd floor and forget the sub panel because it is going to be out in the open and easily acessable. You are going to need 2 15A circuits and a 20A for the bath.

Subpanels always require 4 conductor feeds when inside the same building.

I don't think a subpanel is applicable in your situation. You are looking at two, maybe three circuits for the second floor. The cost of additional wire (12/2) to make these runs should be less than the price of heavier wire and a subpanel.

Run all the bedroom receptacles on the same 20A (12/2) AFCI (figure 4-5 per bedroom) breaker. Run all the lights for the bedrooms and bath on a 15A (14/2) AFCI breaker. Run the bathroom GFCI receptacle on its own 20A circuit. You could combine the bedroom receptacles and the lighting on the same 20A AFCI circuit as an option.

I suppose I thought it would be simpler to run a single feeder and have shorter runs at the second floor. I became fixated on that concept (the more complex the better?), but I see that it was not practical.

You have all explained to me the right track and I will be able to proceed with conviction, which is a major plus.

Thanks again,

Ted

One thing you should probably do since you're practically re-wiring the room is to install interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom and one in the hallway. You would then one to continue the interconnect to the basement and put one down there as well. You would then have 14/3 for the smokes from the basement and you could come off a smoke with 14/2 and run it to the bedroom and bathroom lights. Then bring up 12/2 for the bathroom gfci, and another 12/2 for the bedroom outlets.

You really should mention that you are in Canada. A lot of the people here quote the requirements from the NEC (US code).
Check what the CEC requires before doing too much planning.

Sorry, I missed the last two posts until now.

Spencer, I already have a wireless CO detector at the top of the stairs, which is just off the two bedrooms. This is monitored by my security alarm system. I have a battery operated smoke alarm device in centre of the first floor hallway and another at the base of the stairs in the basement. They are all basically centrally located on each level, "stacked" vertically at the base and top of stairwells. The house has a small footprint. for instance, the boiler unit is located no more than 15 feet from the basement device, and the two bedroom doorways are located about 5 feet from the second floor device. The perimeter walls of the house are not more than 15 feet away in any direction.

greg, you are right, I should have advised, but re Canadian Code, I don't see anything here that would be contrary.

Ted