New barn = lots of questions

Please allow myself to introduce....myself...

I had a 42x75 (10' and 15' ceiling) barn built on 10 wooded acres in Indiana. I plan to use it for storage (atv/boat/trailers), wood shop and throw the occasional race party. Plumbing has been roughed in and I plan to finish a small apartment soon.

I have lots of questions, but I'll start with electrical...
I had the box and panel installed by a licensed electrician, but am going to do the rest on my own, mostly just for the leaning experience.
1)Should I use GFCI circuits throughout? And does that mean all outlets need to be GFCI or just one outlet in a circuit?
2)Any suggestions for ceiling lights? I have 8 skylights, so it's plenty bright during the day. I'd prefer something that wouldn't require climbing the ladder to change the bulb often.

Hopefully I have plenty of space, so I'm open to any creative suggestions on what to do in here (basketball goal, bar, ???).

I've already learned a lot from reading old posts. And I've found countless ideas to spend my time and money on!!! You all have some amazing garages/shops.

Thanks in advance for your help.
-ben

bens said:

I have lots of questions, but I'll start with electrical...
I had the box and panel installed by a licensed electrician, but am going to do the rest on my own, mostly just for the leaning experience.
1)Should I use GFCI circuits throughout? And does that mean all outlets need to be GFCI or just one outlet in a circuit?
2)Any suggestions for ceiling lights? I have 8 skylights, so it's plenty bright during the day. I'd prefer something that wouldn't require climbing the ladder to change the bulb often.

Click to expand...

1) I would use GFCI. Only because I love to be alive. LOL! Use GFCI breakers and wire the rest with normal outlets. Easier and more longevity.

2) There are some good threads on here about lighting. I am in the process of schooling myself on the same topic. It really depends on how high the lights will be mounted, etc.. Metal Halides (400W) will do you well, but they have their downsides too. Search for lighting on here. You will find good information. As I learn more, I will post here to let you know.

You can use a GFCI receptacle as the first one in the series and everything "downstream" is protected. I went with GFCI breakers because then I know where they are. The "first in a series" may mean that it ends up behind something or otherwise inacceptable when you need to get to it.

Thanks guys. I think I'll do as you suggested and go with GFCI breakers for all circuits.

If you are mechanically inclined and willng to do quality work, then the electric wiring is no problem, just that you need to know the "rules".

I really suggest obtaining a copy of the NEC (National Electric Code) and the current version is the 2005 version. I also suggest The Illustrated Guide To The National Electrical Code, 3rd edition, by Charles R. Miller. While this is all kinda pricey, about $120, it is well worth the expense.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=br_ss_h...ndex=blended&keywords=nec&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go

I have both and find them very handy. I am not a licensed electrician but have rewired my parents house (the building inspector was extremely happy with the whole thing) and have wired my "shop", a 60x60 building, with conduit. Learning electricty via the school of hard knocks is OK, just that you don't want any mistakes along the way. Good craftsmanship and neatness go along way toward a sucessful wiring job.

Charles

Here is a link i found some time ago with LOTS of good info.

http://www.selfhelpforums.com/index.php?