How many outlets do I need in a basement home office to meet code?

For a basement home office in Ottawa, you'll need a minimum of one outlet per 3.7 meters (12 feet) of wall space according to the Ontario Electrical Code, but a functional home office typically requires 4-6 outlets strategically placed to avoid extension cords and power strips.

The Ontario Electrical Code sets the baseline requirements, but modern home offices need much more power than the minimum code requirements. You'll want outlets positioned where you'll actually use them - behind your desk for computer equipment, near seating areas for lamps and charging, and in corners where you might place additional furniture or equipment.

For a typical basement office conversion, plan for dedicated 15-amp circuits to handle computer equipment, monitors, printers, and lighting without overloading. If you're running high-power equipment like laser printers, multiple monitors, or space heaters, consider having your electrician install a dedicated 20-amp circuit. The key is avoiding daisy-chaining power strips, which creates both fire hazards and code violations.

Ottawa-specific considerations include ensuring your basement office meets the electrical requirements for secondary dwelling units if you're creating a rental space. The basement must have GFCI protection for outlets within 1.5 meters of sinks or wet areas, and all electrical work requires permits through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Typical permit and inspection costs run $150-300 for basic outlet additions.

Professional guidance is essential here - while you might think you can add outlets yourself, electrical work in Ontario requires licensed electricians and ESA permits. DIY electrical work voids your home insurance and creates serious liability issues. A licensed electrician will ensure proper circuit loading, GFCI protection where required, and code-compliant installation.

Plan your layout first - map out where your desk, equipment, and furniture will go, then have an electrician assess your current panel capacity and recommend the best circuit configuration. Most basement office electrical upgrades run $800-2,000 depending on the number of outlets, circuit requirements, and accessibility. For a comprehensive basement office renovation including proper electrical planning, Ottawa Basements can coordinate with licensed electricians to ensure your workspace meets both code requirements and your functional needs.