Hello, I am building home theater for my unfinished basement and need more power. I only have 1 15 breaker for the entire basement. There are/will be 3 lights, 2 high powered cove radiant heaters, projector, and other common HT equipment.

So with the radiant heaters alone I need more juice. I am thinking I will probably add 2 20 amp breakers. The current 15 amp can run whatever additional stuff I plug in, 1 20 amp can run the HT stuff, and another 20 amp can run the radiant heaters.

I know how to do this for the most part, but does anyone know of any site that has great directions to pull this off? Or a book they would recommend?

Thanks...............

Just remember to turn off the power, use the correct size wire for the circuit, observe local codes for type of breakers required for basement circuits (they may have changed since your house was built). Once the cover is off you can pretty much just follow by example the work done before you.

Here is a good summary:

http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/elect/panel/breaker/install.htm

When adding breakers to the box, wet your finger first so you can get a good grip. Also make sure you stand in a small puddle of water to ground yourself. Lastly, when pulling wires into the box, don't bother turning off the power and pull at least 3 feet of extra bare wire in... wait, stop... No, none of this.

Be careful what you read. Putting one to many or one to few cans in your HT may tick you off later if you chose wrong but making a mistake in the electrical box can KILL YOU.

I am all for doing it your self and I did all my own electrical but I have both a neighbor and a Dad that are electricians.

Also, code things frequently come up that unless you deal with it on a regular basis you just can't find it in a book. Most how to electrical books continually say "refer to your local code.. blah, blah, blah".

Many in these forums chose to skip the inspections and have no issues but it can come back to bite you.

I actually enjoy doing the electrical work as it is very logical and orderly and doesn't require the choices that I dread (like what color, what fabric, yuk, yuk yuk.) It is very straight forward but I plan ahead and have the pros review.

Logic only goes so far (as I found out with plumbing inspection on my Dad's addition). What color glue, how far this trap can be from where, Oh that is a laundry drain.. that is a different set of codes... yada, yada, yada. The pros know the codes and deal with them regularly.

I know this is a help forum and a place to look for answers but...Electricity can KILL YOU....Not to mention start fires, ruin electronic equipment... Be careful.

I agree with RPH Drew, sounds like you don't know how to do circuit load analysis and make sure your current/future basement needs are adequately planned and met, that is very basic before you contemplate to a DIY electrical project. Of course you can learn, takes time and patience. At HD/Lowes browse thru the DIY books for basement remodeling and Electrical projects. Also, go to the Pro desk and look over the electrical code handy reminder.

If you then still feel confident then go for it, if not get an electrician.

Good luck and be safe.

I found the Black and Decker Electrical book to be a good overall point of reference. Add to that the code book for your area, a good electrical diagram of your home and a design plan for your addition and you should be started in the right direction.

It is also helpful to find a "sparkie" that can come over and answer questions you may have.

I 2nd the recommendation for the Black & Decker book, I found my copy amongst the electrical products at Home Depot. The chapters on electrical diagrams and load analysis were especially enlightening for me. It really smoothed the inspection process to be able to show a load plan and circuit diagram to the inspector. I STRONGLY recommend you get an inspection, your homeowner's insurance and local ordinances probably require it.