Are lighting circuits required to be separate from receptacle circuits in homes?

In residential wiring, while it is not a strict requirement to keep lighting circuits separate from receptacle circuits, it is generally advisable to do so for several reasons pertaining to safety and functionality.

Keeping lighting and receptacle circuits separate can reduce the likelihood of overloading circuits, which can lead to tripped breakers or, in the worst case, a fire hazard. When circuits are dedicated to specific functions, it becomes easier to manage electrical loads and ensure proper performance.

Furthermore, separate circuits can improve the reliability of lighting during power demand times, especially in homes with many devices plugged into receptacles. In case of an overload or a fault in one circuit, having them separate ensures that the other circuit may continue functioning unhindered.

This separation is especially recommended in areas where high usage is expected, such as kitchens, but it is not limited to those areas alone. The NEC allows for some flexibility, likely leading to the interpretation that while it isn’t strictly mandated, there are significant benefits and best practices that support the separation of lighting from receptacle circuits in residential settings.