Tips on where to put outlets

[packpride85]

Just moved into a new house with a 20x20 2 car garage. There are some existing outlets in there (not many) so I'm looking for some advice on where to put some additional ones and what rating. Right now the areas where I want to put shop equip. is unfinished so will be easy to install.

I've attached a diagram of where existing things are as well as future items I plan to get. These are my first thoughts:

1. I would think the air compressor should be on its own circuit since it pulls 12A 120V and will most likely be cycling on/off while I use other items. Maybe a 30A with duplex recep on the side wall for it?

2. Another 30A duplex recep on the same wall further down for future things like drill press, table saw, etc...items that will mostly likely only be on one at a time.

The work table will use the 30A quad for table top items and a retractable 120V reel with tri-tap. Also will probably put in a nema 6-20r 220V single recep for a garage heater in the corner next to the quad.

 

[Cmreschke]

Starters your 30 amp ratings are too high by code for duplex receptacles. 20 amps max.
The compressor could go on its own 15 amp circuit, but I'd put it on a 20.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Why be stingy? Put in lots of outlets, especially in and around your primary workbench areas. I've got a total of four 2-gang outlets mounted on every other stud above my 14' workbench. So I've got 16 outlets within easy reach, never more than a couple of feet.

You need them like this, because many tools (like a Dremel) will have relatively short cords and you don't want to have to re-position work on the bench just to do a little Dremeling or drilling or whatever.

Separate circuit for compressor is a given IMHO.....

-

 

[James-W]

Why be stingy? Put in lots of outlets, especially in and around your primary workbench areas.

I agree, the cost of putting in outlets is minor and it is nice to have outlets all over the garage so you can plug stuff in no matter where you are in the garage.

 

[packpride85]

Thanks for the tips. I'll probably end up doing what Chevy-SS said and just put in a 20A duplex every 6 feet or something (probably will be 3 total). Not much work except drilling holes in the studs to run wiring really.

These will mostly be for floor standing items as anything I use i the middle will most likely come off the retractable 15A cord reel.

 

[n8n]

On a workbench I would probably use a power strip that has a recep every few inches because you'll need tons of receps there and you'll be using lots of tools with short cords.

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

 

[Chevy-SS]

Thanks for the tips. I'll probably end up doing what Chevy-SS said and just put in a 20A duplex every 6 feet or something (probably will be 3 total). Not much work except drilling holes in the studs to run wiring really.

These will mostly be for floor standing items as anything I use i the middle will most likely come off the retractable 15A cord reel.

Every six feet is not enough on the workbench IMHO. Here's a pic of mine. Put them in spaced every 3' or so directly above the bench. You can never have too many outlets at the workbench!

 

[packpride85]

The "every 6ft" thing was for the non-workbench walls (shop equipment). For the work bench itself was probably going to pick up something like this and mount it to the bench:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-outlet-super-power-strip-96737.html

Good idea on the vertical outlet tips.

 

[PugetDude]

The "every 6ft" thing was for the non-workbench walls (shop equipment). For the work bench itself was probably going to pick up something like this and mount it to the bench:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-outlet-super-power-strip-96737.html

Good idea on the vertical outlet tips.

Just installed two of these as a TEMPORARY solution for the AZ garage- I'll run conduit when I return next fall.

 

[packpride85]

What's the best way to run the romex on the wall? Do they make specific stapes for 12-3 romex? I assume for the holes I can just drill through the studs with a hole saw.

 

[Speedy Petey]

What's the best way to run the romex on the wall? Do they make specific stapes for 12-3 romex?

Standard small romex staples are good for 12/3. Just look at the package, it'll tell you what they're rated for.

I assume for the holes I can just drill through the studs with a hole saw.

A spade bit in a battery drill is even easier. Use 7/8" max and dead center of the stud, unless you have 2x6 framing then you have a bit of leeway.

 

[Chevy-SS]

The "every 6ft" thing was for the non-workbench walls (shop equipment). For the work bench itself was probably going to pick up something like this and mount it to the bench:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-outlet-super-power-strip-96737.html

Good idea on the vertical outlet tips.

This powerstrip is a decent idea, assuming you were adding it AFTER everything is built. But you are tackling this job fresh. To me, it's a no-brainer to add 2-gang boxes every few feet above the workbench. They will look better and be spaced evenly.

One of those powerstrips would not be enough IMHO. So, by the time you buy two powerstrips, you will have spent WAY more money than wiring in your own 2-gang boxes.

Anyway, that's just MHO. Sounds like you are getting some good ideas.............

 

[n8n]

What's the best way to run the romex on the wall? Do they make specific stapes for 12-3 romex? I assume for the holes I can just drill through the studs with a hole saw.

Surface mount romex? Probably should be in pipe on the walls with a bushing to protect it where the pipe ends above the ceiling. Might even be code.

 

[barnee]

I've thought about putting a outlet near the garage door for a future electric car charging station (I think 30 amp). Have a hybrid now and it wouldn't be out of the question that I end up with an electric in the future.

 

[bczygan]

More important than the number of outlets, is the number and location of circuits.

First make a list of all possible present and future machines that would require dedicated circuits because of their draw, especially motor driven equipment. Examples:
Metalworking:
Welder
Chop Saw
Bench Grinder
Horizontal Bandsaw
Surface Grinder
Lathe
Disc Sander
Plasma Cutter
RFD or Rotary Phase Converter
Compressor

Woodworking:
Jointer
Planer
Table Saw
Drill Press
Miter Saw
Bandsaw

Isolated circuits for electronics:
TV
Stereo
Computer

List with each item, the load they would have.

Then include 1 dedicated circuit for that plug strip.

Then include a minimum of 2 circuits for general purpose convenience outlets.

When you install your general purpose duplex receptacles, wire them so they either alternate between circuits, or even wire alternate circuits between the upper and lower portions of each duplex receptacle. And don't load a circuit with the maximum number of receptacles allowed. Be conservative.

All the general purpose circuits should be 20A.

Don't forget lighting loads and circuits.

A few receptacles in the ceiling wouldn't hurt either.

And an outside outlet or two would also help.

It's all about future proofing.

Throw a sub panel in the garage and feed it with adequate cable, and anything you add in the future will have a space. Just throw in a breaker and run a line.

 

[packpride85]

More important than the number of outlets, is the number and location of circuits.

First make a list of all possible present and future machines that would require dedicated circuits because of their draw, especially motor driven equipment. Examples:
Metalworking:
Welder
Chop Saw
Bench Grinder
Horizontal Bandsaw
Surface Grinder
Lathe
Disc Sander
Plasma Cutter
RFD or Rotary Phase Converter
Compressor

Woodworking:
Jointer
Planer
Table Saw
Drill Press
Miter Saw
Bandsaw

Isolated circuits for electronics:
TV
Stereo
Computer

List with each item, the load they would have.

Then include 1 dedicated circuit for that plug strip.

Then include a minimum of 2 circuits for general purpose convenience outlets.

When you install your general purpose duplex receptacles, wire them so they either alternate between circuits, or even wire alternate circuits between the upper and lower portions of each duplex receptacle. And don't load a circuit with the maximum number of receptacles allowed. Be conservative.

All the general purpose circuits should be 20A.

Don't forget lighting loads and circuits.

A few receptacles in the ceiling wouldn't hurt either.

And an outside outlet or two would also help.

It's all about future proofing.

Throw a sub panel in the garage and feed it with adequate cable, and anything you add in the future will have a space. Just throw in a breaker and run a line.

I think I understand. So if I put 4 duplex outlets on the wall, I should run a separate 20A circuit for each of the top plugs for dedicated machinery and branch the bottom plugs on a single 20A for general purpose?

 

[bczygan]

I think I understand. So if I put 4 duplex outlets on the wall, I should run a separate 20A circuit for each of the top plugs for dedicated machinery and branch the bottom plugs on a single 20A for general purpose?

NO!

I said that for the general purpose receptacles, split or alternate them so adjacent ones, or the top and bottom of each one, is on a separate circuit.

This is ONLY for general purpose power.

All the specific dedicated circuits for all the big equipment need to be separate.

Any time you have something that will use most all of the power that a 15A or 20A 120V circuit will provide, put it on it's own circuit.

Anything with a motor, especially bigger ones, same thing.

Anything 220V same thing (Obviously).

If you are going to be a typical homeowner with one small benchtop drill press, a bench grinder, a 120V small table saw and a shop light above your bench, then you might get away with a circuit for lighting and one or 2 for tools.

If you want to future proof the garage, then you need a sub panel.

What are your uses going to be?

Also I forgot a blast cabinet and OH door closers from my list.

Bill

 

[packpride85]

Should all of these outlets be GFCI at the outlet?

 

[bczygan]

Should all of these outlets be GFCI at the outlet?

Either at the first outlet of a circuit, or at the breaker. So all outlets are protected.

 

[packpride85]

Question on the romex wiring. If I plan to finish the walls with drywall, is it required to staple the cables to the wood? Also, what are the requirements stud hole size, cables in the hole, distance between holes, etc...?