two questions concerning wiring a detached garage

[impalatom]

I am back with two more questions that hopefully have simple answers but doing research online I don't seem to come up with a definitive answers.

1. Does code require an exterior electrical receptacle on a detached garage? I did not plan to have one but can't see anywhere that it is required.

2. I saw this quote online today...."If you were to run a neutral to one silver/white screw on the receptacle, then continue with another wire from the other silver/white screw onward to the next receptacle, you could not remove the receptacle and keep the neutral uninterrupted, a violation of the code[. Because of this, you will need to use individual GFCI receptacles at each box."

I wired my receptacles with incoming neutral on one silver screw and outgoing neutral to the other silver screw. I only have one GFCI at the beginning of each receptacle circuit then standard 15 amp TR receptacle after the GFCI. Is this O.K. or would this wiring method require a GFCI for every receptacle? In other words, if you use just one GFCI in the receptacle circuit do you have to wire nut the incoming and outgoing neutral with a single pigtail to one of the silver screws? The above quote really confuses me.

 

[oleguy]

only if you have a multiwire branch ckt.in other words two hots sharing one neutral.also the two hots need to be on separate legs.then the neutrals need to be pigtailed

 

[impalatom]

Can anyone help me on question 1. Does code require an exterior electrical receptacle on a detached garage?

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ Pretty sure that GJ Sparky's have answered that question as NO for required exterior outlet on detached garage.

Still a good idea, even if not required.

 

[impalatom]

^ ^ ^ Pretty sure that GJ Sparky's have answered that question as NO for required exterior outlet on detached garage.

Still a good idea, even if not required.

CNGsaves, I am sorry but I do not see a post from GJ Sparky, so I am confused as usual, but if you say a exterior outlet is not required on a detached garage that is what I need to know. Thanks

 

[Falcon67]

Keep in mind there will come a time when you wish you had one. About the 15th time you throw an extension cord out the window or run it under the door.

 

[simpler=better]

#2 is debated a lot, but it boils down to this:

It's only a problem if you work on the circuit hot (a no-no) or you uninstall the outlet and leave the wires floating around in lala land.

If you're worried, pigtail at each outlet. If you're not, don't.

 

[tfi racing]

Keep in mind there will come a time when you wish you had one. About the 15th time you throw an extension cord out the window or run it under the door.

Why wouldn't one put an outdoor receptacle on a garage?Makes no sense not to have one.

 

[Short Round]

Why wouldn't one put an outdoor receptacle on a garage?Makes no sense not to have one.

I plan on having them on the outside. All pretty high above snow line. One between the garage doors and another pair on at least one of the long sides of the garage.

I envision using the shop vac as much outside the door as inside the garage for cleaning vehicles. Then there is car battery chargers and all sorts of un thought of minor work outside. Maybe a small electric pressure washer, etc.

 

[Cmreschke]

Question 1=NO. Not required.
Question 2= No. Not a violation.
As stated above it is only a violation if it is a neutral on a multi wire branch circuit where the current from 1 circuit is carrying thru the receptacle.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Keep in mind there will come a time when you wish you had one. About the 15th time you throw an extension cord out the window or run it under the door.

Even if it is just once it still is a Code violation (NEC 2011)

Flexible Cords and Cables
400.8 Uses Not Permitted.
(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar
openings

 

[TractorJeff]

"Even if it is just once it still is a Code violation (NEC 2011)"
Does anyone really care if it is a Code violation?
Is the knowledge of a Code violation going to stop someone from having a party in the driveway with the stereo playing from an extension cord? Is the guy with a dead battery going to call AAA for a tow truck to jumpstart his car in his driveway because it is a Code violation to put the extension cord out the door to put a battery charger on? Is the threat of a Code violation going to stop a guys wife from hanging Christmas Decorations on the garage?
GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wirepuller]

"Even if it is just once it still is a Code violation (NEC 2011)"

Does anyone really care if it is a Code violation?

Is the knowledge of a Code violation going to stop someone from having a party in the driveway with the stereo playing from an extension cord? Is the guy with a dead battery going to call AAA for a tow truck to jumpstart his car in his driveway because it is a Code violation to put the extension cord out the door to put a battery charger on? Is the threat of a Code violation going to stop a guys wife from hanging Christmas Decorations on the garage?

GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[emoji106] There is a special place in hell for these types.

 

[alfredeneuman]

"Even if it is just once it still is a Code violation (NEC 2011)"
Does anyone really care if it is a Code violation?
GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The OP may care It is just information..... No need to get offended

Only a fool would knowingly violate the rules in the planning stages of the project.

 

[sberry]

I do anything I can to keep a cord off the floor or from thru a door, absolutely would want something on the front of a building.

 

[ddawg16]

I'm at a loss as to why you wouldn't want an outlet on the outside.

 

[Shiftless]

I'm at a loss as to why you wouldn't want an outlet on the outside.

I suppose if somebody was worried about vandals or pranksters an easily accessible outdoor receptacle would be a liability. I guess in that case you could put a kill switch inside.

 

[Blue XJ]

I suppose if somebody was worried about vandals or pranksters an easily accessible outdoor receptacle would be a liability. I guess in that case you could put a kill switch inside.

But you have them on the outside of the house, so what's the difference.

 

[impalatom]

OP here, just as a follow up to all the concern about not having an exterior outlet on my detached garage, I just don't see the need for it. This is my third detached garage that I have owned and none of them ever had an exterior outlet and it has never been a problem. Besides, I could always add one later on if I needed one. I don't plan on insulating and lining the garage for a couple of years so I have a lot of time to decide if one is needed.

 

[Shiftless]

OP here, just as a follow up to all the concern about not having an exterior outlet on my detached garage, I just don't see the need for it. This is my third detached garage that I have owned and none of them ever had an exterior outlet and it has never been a problem. Besides, I could always add one later on if I needed one. I don't plan on insulating and lining the garage for a couple of years so I have a lot of time to decide if one is needed.

This is a good example of the fact that different guys have different needs for the different kinds and amount of work they do in and around the garage. I use my nearby garage door outlet at least once a week. impalatom has had 3 garages over the course of I'm sure many years and hasn't seen the need for a place to plug in by the garage door. To each his own!

 

[Alchymist]

I suppose if somebody was worried about vandals or pranksters an easily accessible outdoor receptacle would be a liability. I guess in that case you could put a kill switch inside.

Rewired part of our 3 car garage - it was pretty ratty to start with. Anyway, put a GFCI outlet on the inside wall between 2 overhead doors, and an exterior waterproof outlet on the outside, back to back. With the outside outlet fed from the inside GFCI, it's a simple matter to trip the GFCI and shut off the outside outlet as needed.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ That's great idea Alchymist.

Found out hard way that my 1955 house with outdoor outlet on front porch wasn't wired so well . . . . . . tripped the breaker and all the outlets in 2 bedrooms weren't working. This took down my computer, cable modem, router, etc.

Plan to re-wire that with direct 20A circuit of it's own likely with GFCI breaker when I get new main panel in the basement.

When I get more juice to garage by trenching over with a subpanel, I'll steal your idea for garage's outdoor outlets !

 

[Alchymist]

^ ^ ^ That's great idea Alchymist.

Found out hard way that my 1955 house with outdoor outlet on front porch wasn't wired so well . . . . . . tripped the breaker and all the outlets in 2 bedrooms weren't working. This took down my computer, cable modem, router, etc.

Plan to re-wire that with direct 20A circuit of it's own likely with GFCI breaker when I get new main panel in the basement.

When I get more juice to garage by trenching over with a subpanel, I'll steal your idea for garage's outdoor outlets !

Don't have to steal it - it's free!

 

[ddawg16]

Rewired part of our 3 car garage - it was pretty ratty to start with. Anyway, put a GFCI outlet on the inside wall between 2 overhead doors, and an exterior waterproof outlet on the outside, back to back. With the outside outlet fed from the inside GFCI, it's a simple matter to trip the GFCI and shut off the outside outlet as needed.

That is more or less how mine are done.

Everything in the garage (except lights) are on GFCI's. The outside outlet is pigtailed off one of the inside outlets.

I use that outside one all the time.

And I've never had an issue with anyone stealing my electrical....I don't have those kind of neighbors.