Tip 1: Install a maximum of 8 electric points per circuit
An electric circuit starts at the distribution box which can generally be found in the hallway, the basement or in the garage. In the distribution box you will find the fuses. Those are safety switches that turn on/off a certain electric circuit area.
According to safety regulations you are allowed to connect a maximum of place 8 electric points per circuit. But what do we mean by an electric point? Each electric point can consist of 1 to 3 sockets of one light source each, including a switch. You may combine sockets and light sources internally as long as you do not exceed a maximum of 8!
This way, for example you can install combinations as mentioned below:
- 8x3 sockets thus 24 stopper sockets in total
- 8x1 light source thus 8 light sources in total
- 4x2 sockets, 1x1 socket, 2x3 sockets, and 1 light source
- etc.…
Tip 2: Concentrate a circuit on as less spaces as possible
Although this is not legally obliged, it is nonetheless however a very useful tip! The best is to allow one circuit per room or area. In case of a fuse disruption, the electricity to the entire circuit is disconnected. However if you restrict the circuit to one area, only one room is without electricity and not the rest of the house.
Tip 3: The bathroom must always be connected to a separate electrical circuit!
Everyone knows that water and electricity are no good combination. Therefore, the bathroom must be connected to a separate electrical circuit; a circuit which is more sensitive to loss of electricity and short circuit.
In addition, you must take into account the distance between the bath in the shower and an electric point such as a power socket, a switch or a lamp. For security reasons many manufacturers of, for example, wall and ceiling lamps have categorized their lighting - how well these are isolated against water and splashes and at what distance these should be placed in relation to the bath. You can get more information in the shop.
Tip 4: Some appliances require a separate electric circuit
Appliances which consume a lot of electricity, those that are always turned on or those that consume water as well as electricity must be connected to a separate circuit. If one of these appliances break-down, others will continue to function.
It is best to have the following appliances placed in one electric circuit:
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Alarm installation
- Dishwasher
- Boiler
- Air conditioner
- Cooker
- Door Bell
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
Tip 5: Install a sufficient number of wait pipes!
A big mistake many do-it-yourselves make is to install too few pipes. Whenever you have the possibility, please make sure that each room has at least one extra pipe (with pull wire) with a large diameter. This allows you to add more wires at a later stage if so requires.
You never know what new technology will bring and what you will need in the future. You might want to refurbish your bedroom into a multi-media room. It would be a pity if you have not installed enough electrical wiring. It is thus advisable to install an extra pipe.