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20a dedicated for compressor

KB in MD

Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
10
Location
Hagerstown, MD
Hello all.
I wanted to ask here before I go sourcing a lic. electrician.
We have 2 2 plug outlets in our unfinished garage. 1 in the ceiling for the gdo. I also have 2 4' T8? shop lights plugged in here. <-- I know this is a no no :dunno: The other is a GFI that has a radio, fridge and another plug in 4' T8 shop light. What needs to be done to get a 20a dedicated circuit to run my plug in 2hp/29 gal compresssor?
Also, what needs to be done if I want to have a few more outlets installed on the other walls? A minimum of 2 each wall?
LOTS to read and learn here :beer:
Thank you.
KB

edit: breaker panel is in basement
 
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pattenp

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Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
10,175
Location
Virginia - USA
If the breaker panel is in the garage and there is space you can run new circuits from the panel to where you need additional outlets.
 

sberry

Banned
Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
35,747
Location
Brethren, Michigan
Agree. Ideally is to run a new wire or 2. Nothing beats a wire from breaker to a single box and single device for real power equipment. Your compressor, even small welder or chop saw, table saw can use the same deal. If I wanted to leave the air on would run 2 wires, another to a couple more convenience tool outlet.
If there is a decicated wire a couple things could be modified if they absolutely had to. My chop saw will trip a 20, I have a little job comp that is older and I have to run 50 ft of 14 cord on it to keep it on line. You can turn a 140 wire feeder up pretty easily to trip 20.
 
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sberry

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Jun 18, 2005
Messages
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Brethren, Michigan
This is the most basic wire job a guy could ever do, almost all mechanical and if he has a lot of trouble probably shouldn't have tools on or near his persons or be allowed unattended with the comp.
I would be at a stone stop if I couldn't add a circuit. garages have fallen a bit behind for spec houses as far as code requirements, they probably should be treated like a kitchen counter top and would be in a quality job.
It would have 2 20A circuits with no shared loads.
 
OP
K

KB in MD

Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
10
Location
Hagerstown, MD
Hello all.
I wanted to ask here before I go sourcing a lic. electrician.
We have 2 2 plug outlets in our unfinished garage. 1 in the ceiling for the gdo. I also have 2 4' T8? shop lights plugged in here. <-- I know this is a no no :dunno: The other is a GFI that has a radio, fridge and another plug in 4' T8 shop light. What needs to be done to get a 20a dedicated circuit to run my plug in 2hp/29 gal compresssor?
Also, what needs to be done if I want to have a few more outlets installed on the other walls? A minimum of 2 each wall?
LOTS to read and learn here :beer:
Thank you.
KB

edit: breaker panel is in basement

I guess my main priority is getting this done if it can be done before and separate
ly from the added outlet installs. So a new/separate wire needs to be run for this from the panel in the basement to the garage?
 

grizz_660

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 14, 2016
Messages
56
Location
Ontario, Canada
Whats wrong with plugging the lights into the garage door outlet? No code violation there

The wiring currently feeding your receptacles in your garage is more than likely #14, good for 15 amps. You could check the wire, and if it were #12, the breaker could be changed to a 20A and the receptacle changed to 20A, then your ok.

However, im willing to bet the wire is #14. If it were me, I would look at running a 60A sub panel to the garage ( if you are going to be doing a lot of work in there / its just convienent ), then you could have some dedicated 20A receptacles, and lots of power left over for welder / compressor, etc.
 
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pattenp

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
10,175
Location
Virginia - USA
...
The wiring currently feeding your receptacles in your garage is more than likely #14, good for 15 amps. You could check the wire, and if it were #12, the breaker could be changed to a 20A and the receptacle changed to 20A, then your ok.

Why are you suggesting to change the existing outlets to 20A outlets? There is hardly any equipment that uses a 20A 120V plug. It's a waste of money. Standard 15A duplex outlets on a 20A circuit are fine and meet NEC.
 
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