This week, I chose to model the electrical system of my basement as that was my most multifunctional space. To power this floor, I chose a 400A 208V MCB electrical panel placed in my northwest electrical room.
For my electrical receptacles, I used roughly 8’ spaced duplex units placed 18” above the ground along the walls of my seminar and exhibit spaces for power flexibility depending on the room’s use at that time. In the less multifunctional spaces (atrium, bathroom, etc.) I placed only a couple outlets since the extra flexibility wouldn’t be needed.
To light these high ceiling spaces, I used a combination of wall mounted sconce lights, standard ceiling sconce lights, hanging pendant lights, and recessed downlights. In my more confined spaces, I utilized 100W,120V ceiling sconces for broad, multidirectional lighting. In my seminar rooms, I used 120V 8” recessed downlights as well as wall sconces; depending on the room use, the brighter downlights or moodier sconces could be used. In a similar vein, I used wall sconces with hanging pendant lights or multiple lighting options. Finally, for the atrium, I exclusively used wall sconces to avoid obstructing the glass ceiling.
To control the seminar rooms, I used 4 way switches nearby each of the 3 doorways. For my smaller rooms, I used a single pole or 2 way switch depending on the number of entrances to the space. For my larger common areas and bathrooms, I opted for timer switches for greater power efficiency.
- your power system elements
- your lighting system elements