I am going to install a few new 110v plugs in my basement. I am in the process of doing all the research and I have a question about the gauge of wire needed.
As a rule of thumb, I have found the following...

Use 14-2 wire for up to 15 amps, 12-2 for up to 20 amps, and 10-2 for up to 30 amps.

I plan on running 3, MAYBEE 4 pinballs on each circuit, so what kind of amps are we talking here (to help me select my gauge of wire)

any other things I should know (other than turn off the main breaker while working ) Is there a standard for how I am supposed to run the wires? fastened every so many inches (or not) where to run the wire ect ect ect.


TIA all.

Zak,

Seriously, if you have to ask these questions, then you need an electrician.  You can get a head start by trying to find a book on the Quebec electrical code (or any of numerous ones based on the Ontario Electrical Safety Code).

I am not an electrician, and will not take responsibility for the use of this information as other than anecdotal; but unless the run is exceptionally long (more than 30m) or you are specifically running a machine shop / appliance circuit for an over 15amps machine (which is very rare indeed) then you are specifically bound to run 15 amp circuits and 14-2 is recommended. In fact, some people wire 20 amp breakers in their shops to handle high current draw from a couple woodworking machines used at once, but unless the shop is professionally wired and set-up to run 220v machines, it is always wiser to run more 15amp circuits and split the loads. If your current load is going to exceed 15 amps (I think pinballs pull a maximum of around 2 amps each - the information is out there), then you simply are compelled to add additional 15 amp circuit breakers and split the loads among more circuits.  There is safety acheived in keeping to 15 amp circuits, rather than increasing the current capacity.  

It used to be that people ran 20amp circuits in kitchen appliance circuits to handle having a couple things (like microwave and blender) at once.  They don't do that any more, they run two separate 15 amp circuits one going to the top plug and one to the bottom plug in each outlet, and then possibly double that, running one circuit halfway around the room, and another the other half.  The reason being is that it is safer for a circuit to blow early at a lower amperage if it short circuits.

Each 15 amp circuit will easily handle 3 or 4 pinballs on each circuit, so 14-2 is appropriate.  This and all the rest of your questions are covered by the electrical code.  

14-2 will do the job.....

Thanks guys,  I am in the process of looking up the Quebec code right now.

I understand and am comfortable with all aspects of the wiring hook up, I just want to make sure I install it to code.

Home Depot in Ontario sells a $20 yellow-book guide on electrical stuff.   It simplifies the code for Ontario and offers examples that you can follow easily.   Its yellow in color and if you ask the home depot guy near the electrical stuff for the yellow electrical book he'll understand.   They're usually at the front of the isles cashier side.     There might not be a similar Quebec one, but they'd be close.

A little wiring tip:  Make sure you leave about 6" of wire hanging out the box so you have lots there to actually connect the outlet receptacle. The wires can be neatly folded into the box after you make your connection.

This really makes a difference down the road when you need to pull out the receptacle for troubleshooting purposes or if the wire "burns off" you still have lots there to do a quick repair.

p.s. don't ever stick a fork and knife in there to do testing, use a proper meter.

Quoted from Dr Sparky

A little wiring tip:  Make sure you leave about 6" of wire hanging out the box so you have lots there to actually connect the outlet receptacle. The wires can be neatly folded into the box after you make your connection.

This really makes a difference down the road when you need to pull out the receptacle for troubleshooting purposes or if the wire "burns off" you still have lots there to do a quick repair.

p.s. don't ever stick a fork and knife in there to do testing, use a proper meter.

puts away fork & knife

Quoted from Dr Sparky

A little wiring tip:  Make sure you leave about 6" of wire hanging out the box so you have lots there to actually connect the outlet receptacle.

"At least 6" is the code in Ontario I believe.  If you don't leave 6" an inspector will make you either "find" the extra length, or re-wire the entire circuit again.