120V quad outlets- multiple circuits

[larry4406]

I ran dual 20A 12/2 circuits, nothing shared although the circuits are side by side in a metal quad box for my garage outlets.

From panel went to a quad box near garage door where nothing could obscure the outlet. I placed the GFCI's there side by side so there were always easily accessible for resetting if needed. From there, I was careful to keep the left circuit always feeding the left outlet in downstream daisy chained quad boxes and same for the right.

I just checked my panel, the breakers are side by side (labeled Left and Right) but not handle tied. I think the tied handles is a good idea. I need to see if I can get just the handle tie piece for my CH breakers.

 

[beemerphile]

You don't need quads. A 2 pole GFCI breaker feeding a MWBC routed through single gang boxes each having a split wired duplex receptacle is the simplest way to do it. Be sure to pigtail the leads in the boxes so you don't risk disconnecting a neutral. If you are consistent in wiring circuit A to the top and circuit B to the bottom you will know which circuit you are using. It may not be the cheapest, but it is probably close with half the receptacles and single gang boxes. Pretty clearly it is the fastest and neatest install. If you can tolerate the receptacles at 66" above the floor instead of 50" you can avoid the TRR requirement and save some more money and hassle.

 

[cherokee]

So as an alterative, run two totally separate receptacle circuits in different alternating boxes, 6 feet apart. The likelihood of being out of range of both circuits is zero ( most appliances, tools have a 6' cord ).

Honestly it would be cheaper to space them further apart and purchase a couple of very good and relatively short extension cords. Maybe a cord reel or two strategically placed might make some sense.

Basically what I did. Like others say I run the compressor on its own circuit....basically. That circuit has one other outlet halfway down the shop. I had an old air hose reel that I put a "good" extension cord on right in the middle by that outlet. If for some reason I had something eating lots of power on one end or the other and needed "one more thing" I could unroll that extension cord and be in business. I use it with the little 110 welder and that heavy **** cord most of the time I weld, even if I am close to the walls doing something. I did the same thing on the other side, but with another "low amp" circuit in the middle.

I agree if you do it right you can have a clear mind, no matter what the people say that put stickers on microwaves that say don't put your baby in here to get him warm, you can't prevent stupid people from being stupid.

 

[dave*99]

The following comment has no value.
I can show you dozens and dozens of receptacles I have installed in various garages that have never had a single plug inserted.
I can't help myself.
GJ is probably the wrong place for me to look for help.

 

[tealetm]

Thanks for all of the input and discussion.

For my purposes I will just be running multiple circuits to alternating boxes.

 

[dscheidt]

So as an alterative, run two totally separate receptacle circuits in different alternating boxes, 6 feet apart. The likelihood of being out of range of both circuits is zero ( most appliances, tools have a 6' cord ).

Honestly it would be cheaper to space them further apart and purchase a couple of very good and relatively short extension cords. Maybe a cord reel or two strategically placed might make some sense.

Why would you spend the rest your life in the shop having to use an extension cord to save $100 on a many thousand dollar building?

 

[olytdi]

Thanks for all of the input and discussion.

For my purposes I will just be running multiple circuits to alternating boxes.

That's what I just did on my new 36x36 -- two duplex receptacles every 6 ft in a 4 in box, every other box is on the same circuit (two circuits). I just started the two runs from one box that had two GFCIs, one for each subsequent leapfrog circuit.

I could not come up with a scenario whereby I would be forced to exceed 20 amps on one circuit with a different circuit just a few feet away...

I did the same thing in my last shop almost 20 years ago and never once had a dilemma with overloading a single box.

 

[eejack]

Why would you spend the rest your life in the shop having to use an extension cord to save $100 on a many thousand dollar building?

It is situational. He 'might' need to have two separate feeds for two appliances on occasion. He might need receptacles every six feet. In order to have all of these receptacles available, he cannot stack anything in front of them, so all of that wall space becomes less useful.

Absolutely a couple of circuits at places where you know you will need them, work bench, near the garage door, any semi-permanent tool location ( drill press, grinder, compressor ).

And since it is likely, with labor, any receptacle installed is over $100 ( unless you consider tealetm's time worthless ) a couple of extension cords for maybes and might happens is a big cost savings. If in the future a spot in the shop seems to become worthy of another receptacle, then add it then.

In any event, the nice thing about GJ is the differing perspectives and experiences. Personally I would prefer to do things in my shop instead things to my shop and other folks feel differently.