Residential circuit breaker by room

Here is a general guide to help you determine the number of residential circuit breakers you may need by room:

Kitchen:

• 2-3 circuits:
  • One for the kitchen outlets (e.g., countertops, sink, stove)
  • One for the refrigerator and other large appliances
  • One for the microwave and other small appliances

Living Room:

• 1-2 circuits:
  • One for the living room outlets (e.g., lamps, TV, stereo)
  • One for the TV and other large appliances (if applicable)

Bedrooms:

• 1-2 circuits:
  • One for the bedroom outlets (e.g., lamps, phone chargers)
  • One for the bedroom lights and ceiling fans (if applicable)

Bathrooms:

• 1-2 circuits:
  • One for the bathroom outlets (e.g., hair dryer, toothbrush charger)
  • One for the bathroom lights and exhaust fan (if applicable)

Laundry Room:

• 1-2 circuits:
  • One for the washer and dryer
  • One for the laundry room outlets (e.g., iron, sewing machine)

Garage/Workshop:

• 1-2 circuits:
  • One for the garage/workshop outlets (e.g., power tools, lights)
  • One for the garage door opener and other large appliances (if applicable)

Outdoor Spaces:

• 1-2 circuits:
  • One for outdoor lighting (e.g., porch lights, patio lights)
  • One for outdoor outlets (e.g., pool pumps, outdoor kitchen appliances)

General Guidelines:

• A general rule of thumb is to have at least one dedicated circuit for each major appliance (e.g., refrigerator, washer, dryer).
• Consider having a separate circuit for each floor or level of your home, especially if you have a multi-story home.
• If you have a lot of high-power appliances (e.g., electric water heater, electric range), you may need additional circuits to handle the increased load.
• Always consult with a licensed electrician if you're unsure about the number of circuits you need or if you're planning a major renovation or addition to your home.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specific needs of your home may vary. It's always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a professional electrician to ensure your home's electrical system is safe and efficient.