Residential-Electical-RequirementsCity of Cypress
Community Development: Building Division
5275 Orange Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630
(714) 229-6730
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL
REQUIREMENTS
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. This handout is not intended to replace the California Electrical Code as adopted. It focuses only on the
electrical requirements for single family dwellings. If more detailed information is needed the CEC is
available in many libraries and may be reviewed at your Building Department.
The CEC is a very complex document with a multitude of exceptions making various practices allowable in
specific circumstances. This handout ignores many of these exceptions and simplifies the requirements,
though a certain degree of economy is sacrificed in the process. If the reader wishes to take advantage
of such complexities they may gain access to the CEC through the references given.
2. Improper electrical installations can be hazardous. If in doubt, hire a licensed electrician to do the work.
GENERAL NOTES
CHECKLIST OF CIRCUITS SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED BY THE CEC Required
Ampacity
Two small appliance circuits to kitchen counter top. May also serve dining room and refrigerator but
counter top plugs must be divided between at least two circuits. Do not connect other loads such as
garbage disposer or lights. CEC 210.52 (B)
20A
One laundry circuit, CEC 210.52 (F)20A
The minimum number of branch circuits shall be determined from the total calculated load and the
size rating of the circuits used. CEC 210.11(A)15A and 20A
In all installations, the number of circuits shall be sufficient to supply the load served. CEC 210.11(A)15A and 20A
CHECKLIST OF CIRCUITS SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED BY THE CEC Typical
Ampacity
Dishwasher 15A
Garbage disposer 15A
Built in Microwave 15A
Electric range (240V) > 8 3/4 kw 40A
Electric cooktop (240V)30A
Bathroom combination vent heater light 30A
Bathroom supplemental wall heater 20A
Forced air furnace 15A
Well pump 20A
Sump pump 40A
Electric water heater (240)15A
Where double sink vanities are installed and two hair dryers may be used consider placing them on
different circuits (GFCI)15A
Other motorized appliances 15A
Note: These loads may sometimes be combined with each other or with general lighting but total loads must be
calculated and appropriate de-ratings must be applied.
Note: Ampacities given are only typical. Always check the nameplate rating of the actual appliance.
Pole height72'CHECKLIST OF REQUIRED LIGHTING OUTLETS
See California Electrical Code article 210-70 and fig 410.2
1. Wall switched light or plug in each living room,
bedroom etc.
2. Wall switched light in each kitchen, bathroom etc.
3. Wall switched light in each hallway.
4. Wall switched light in the basement.
5. Wall switched light in an attached garage.
6. Wall switched light at each outdoor entrance or exit.
7. Wall switched light in a detached garage wherever
8. such garage has electrical power.
9. Light near attic furnace equipment switched near
access.
10. Light over stairway with swtiches at top and bottom.
Shelf width,
12" mins
Storage area
at side and back
No exposed
bulbs or
pendents
12" Clr. to surface
incandescent
24"
6" Clr. to recessed
or flourescent
CHECKLIST OF REQUIRED PLUG OUTLETS
CHECKLIST OF OTHER ITEMS TO CONSIDER
In all areas specified in CEC 210.52, 406.12 & 550.13 all receptacles shall be tamper- resistant.
Attachment cords for most lamps etc. are 6 feet long and for kitchen appliances are 24 inches long.
1. Plugs within 6 feet of all points along the base of walls.
2. Plug in any isolated 2 feet or wider wall section where one might place a lamp etc.
3. Outside plug accessible at grade at the front and back of dwelling.
4. Plug in the laundry area.
5. 120V plug within 6 feet for washer dryer.
6. 240V plug within 6 feet of electric clothes dryer.
7. Plug within 6 feet of any other large appliances such as a freezer.
8. Plug at each kitchen counter space 12 inches wide or wider.
9. Plug within 24 inches of all points along the length of kitchen counters including islands and peninsulas,
all GFCI.
10. Extra counter top plug wherever a microwave or other large appliance blocks access to the regularly
spaced plugs.
11. Plug adjacent to bathroom sink (GFCI).
12. Plug in the basement in addition to laundry plug if any (GFCI).
13. Plug in an attached garage (GFCI).
14. Plug in a detached garage if electrical power is provided (GFCI).
15. Plug in hallways more that 10 feet long.
16. Plug near furnace and air conditioning equipment for servicing.
17. Arc Fault protection for all 15 and 20 amp circuits in habitable rooms.
18. 18. kitchen diswasher branch circuit (GFCI) CEC 210.9 (D)
1. An outlet near the ironing board.
2. Outside outlets at the sides of the house. And how about one at a patio or deck.
3. Lights in closets (see the figure at top of page).
4. The California Residential Code requires hard wired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
5. Multiple switches at walk-through rooms and halls.
6. Fluorescent fixtures or dimmers, motion sensors and photocell motion sensors are now required for most
lighting, please check the California Energy Code for specifics.
7. An outlet for the garage door opener.
8. An outlet for the door bell transformer.
9. An outlet for a kitchen exhaust fan or hood.
10. An outlet near a security system control station.