Adding circuits with existing drywall

[zjrog]

I'm at a crossroads of sorts. My garage is "finished", with drywall and texture. Problem is, there are 3 outlets on three walls, and outlet in the ceiling and two ceramic light fixtures in the ceiling. I need more outlets and I need more light.

I hate drywall. I'm actually putting off drywall projects in the house... I didn't really think about lighting or outlets when I originally built my shelves. Sure, I could run conduit around the shop for new outlets, but would rather not. I have ready access to the cable way type run into my basement for the power panel, but wonder if I'd be better served with a sub panel IN the garage proper. Specifically to add lights and outlets.

Ideas and thoughts appreciated.

 

[Mustang51js]

Run the wires in the top corner and then snake them down the walls,same with lights,if you know the direction of the rafters you can snake wires to the edges. Or you can pipe everything or wire mold

 

[zjrog]

I wonder if I have fire breaks in the walls... That would make running them down a bit tougher. I hadn't thought about running things down the wall. Part of me likes the look of conduit over wire mold... As for lights, even the ceiling is textured and I haven't see a pattern for screws or nails through it to get an idea which way they run. Guess I need to cut some holes and see.

As for a sub panel, I have a neighbor thats an electrician, I need to bend his ear some. Too bad he doesn't drink beer...

 

[1969]

Wiremold, EMT.........

 

[cagullett1]

Such a beating. I just went through this. Luckily my panel was already in the garage. Either way, adding lights and outlets to a finished garage is not much fun. Good luck

 

[Mustang51js]

Usually rafters go from front to back. As long as pipe is neat and straight it doesn't look to bad

 

[PRH44]

If it were me

New subpanel
Install EMT with one hole straps/with back a strap
Do this and you will always have easy options later

 

[zjrog]

Appreciate the advice, thought a subpanel would be best. If the rafters run as suggested, that makes life easier, I can run wiring from the existing fixtures and plate those off. I'll probably go with four surface mount 4 tube fixtures.

Thanks guys. Another item on my long and growing list...

 

[bczygan]

Mount a panel and fish wires as needed. Then patch drywall as necessary. Get good fish tape. Use long jobber drills. Use old-work boxes. Properly done, drywall repair is minimized.

 

[JoeFin]

If it were me - I would get a 6' D-Versi Bit and a Day Laborer down at Home Dipo.

They are long enough and flexible enough to cutout for the retrofit box, and drill down through the plate. They even have a hole in the flutes to attach on the incoming romex and then pull it up into the cut out for the retrofit box.

Not the ideal method of wiring a garage - but many an older home have been completely rewired using this method

 

[zjrog]

I know someone that has one of those bits, I'll hit him up to borrow it. That will make quick work on one wall, now to decide if I'm going to worry about adding extra outlets on the other two. At least the ceiling and lighting looks like it'll be simpler than I planned.

 

[cagullett1]

Any update on what you ended up doing?

 

[zjrog]

Not yet, gathering parts a bit at a time. Had a few expenses cropped up. And now my vintage Starcraft tent trailer is in the garage getting re-cabled and gone through.

I've had it sitting around for a few years, keep thinking I need to do something with since I bought it a few years ago for $80. I thought it would be a good base for a utility trailer, but the darned thing is quite solid. I do need to rebuild the roof after I get new cables in the lift... So, this will keep me occupied for a bit.

I don't suppose anyone has a simple way to determine the amount of lighting I need?

 

[Mustang51js]

6 four foot flourescent lights would be plenty in there. T8 two bulb

 

[zjrog]

Sweet! Thanks a ton, I was going to do 5 and maybe some task lighting at the workbench.