malibutwins
Well-known member
How many outlets on each breaker? Also, can I run the wire through the top plate insted of drilling through all the studs to go to the other side of the garage? I have a 100 amp sub panel for the garage.
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20 amp outlets
- Thread starter malibutwins
- Start date
rockwithjason
Well-known member
well there are several factors involved here and some will depend on your local building codes. what is really important here is what will be connected to the circuit. if you have a tool that takes 20a then you will want an outlet with a dedicated circuit. if you are just wiring general purpose outlets then many jurisdictions place a limit on the number of outlets on one circuit. here in vegas the limit is 12 if memory serves. spend some time thinking about what will be plugged into where and then come up with a circuit plan from that information
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
For non-dwelling (detached garage/shop/etc) the code says you are to use 180 volt/amperes per strap as a basis for determining loads (assuming single, duplex, or triple receptacles on a single strap). Thus a 15 amp breaker, at 120 volt can carry 1,800 volt/ampere or 10 receptacles max. A 20 amp breaker at 120 volt can carry 2,400 volt/amperes or 13 receptacles max. (NEC220.14(l))
For residences the load calculations of receptacles are included in Lighting load calculations as specified in Nec 220.12 and it is not as cut and dry as the non-dwelling.
Charles
For residences the load calculations of receptacles are included in Lighting load calculations as specified in Nec 220.12 and it is not as cut and dry as the non-dwelling.
Charles
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As said it depends what you will be running. You shouldn't be trying to get as many as you can. A normal garage, 1-2 20 amp circuits is good.
Since its a garage you should be putting them on a GFI, I don't think a GFI can handle 12 outlets. I have never tried it though.
If it was me, 4-6 outlets on a circuit. I ran a seperate circuit for lighting. For two reasons, one load, but if I need to work on the lights, I can plug a portable light in the outlets.
Also if its just you, you won't be running everything at once.
But you start plugging in halogen lights and heaters and you will trip.
Since its a garage you should be putting them on a GFI, I don't think a GFI can handle 12 outlets. I have never tried it though.
If it was me, 4-6 outlets on a circuit. I ran a seperate circuit for lighting. For two reasons, one load, but if I need to work on the lights, I can plug a portable light in the outlets.
Also if its just you, you won't be running everything at once.
But you start plugging in halogen lights and heaters and you will trip.
Steevo
Well-known member
When I wired my shop, I kept it at 6 or less 20a receptacles per breaker/circuit.
sheslostcontrol
Well-known member
When I wired my shop, I kept it at 6 or less 20a receptacles per breaker/circuit.
I'm following the same rule in my garage, with a few exceptions. A couple circuits will power my radial arm saw and shop drill press, so those only have 4 twenty amp outlets on the circuit. Most have between 4-6.
OP
malibutwins
Well-known member
Thanks, looks like I'll do 4 per breaker.