Adding outlets: in wall vs. external conduit?

[964haus]

Here's my dilemma.

I have a small, single car unfinished garage that I'm trying to finish as I have spare time. The first step is to insulated and drywall the 2x6 walls. I also want to add a number of outlets along one of the walls, but was going to hire that out as I don't like doing electrical.

Question - is there any advantage of doing the electrical first so the outlets are buried in the wall vs coming along later and running conduit attached to the wall to wherever I want a plug? I suppose there's an aesthetic difference (I do like a clean look), but anything else? The only downside I see is it could interfere with the ability to have cabinets, etc sitting flush to the wall, but I see lots of guys with that setup that seem pretty happy with it. Plus I imagine there a flexibility to add outlets without digging into an insulated wall.

Reason for asking - I was hoping to get going on insulating/drywalling now while I have a bit of spare time, but don't want to wait for an electrician to come and do the wiring. If I want the outlets buried for a clean look, I'd have to wait a bit until that gets done.

Hoping for some sage advice as usual.

Thanks all.
Matthew

(I didn't put this in the electrical forum as i figured it's more to do with layout/aesthetics/experience than 'how to')

 

[gmcromp]

The other thing to consider is re-sale value. Other than that it's really up to you. Putting them on the outside of the drywall provides the most flexibility as you can bend the conduit around anything on the walls and even put one inside of a cabinet if wanted. Check local codes on what conduits are acceptable. Good luck.

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[AA7483]

I went the exposed route. Makes adding circuits down thee road simple. Takes a bit of extra wall space but no but deal. No regrets doing mine this way. See my build thread for pics.

 

[pattenp]

If you want a more finished look with the advantage of surface mounted conduit is to use Wiremold products. Downside is $$. The cheapest route is plastic boxes and Romex in the wall.

 

[Bigbandguy]

If the studs are open and you haven't installed insulation yet, my suggestion would be to read a book on basic wiring (the big box stores have them) and / or watch a you tube video on the topic. You could easily do the rough in wiring without hooking it up if you are uncomfortable doing that. If you just got the boxes and wiring in place it could be finished off later.

It would add very little to your costs and you could later have someone who is comfortable with wiring make the final hookup and testing. You would need to check local codes for things like height requirement from floor for outlets and any other special chickens....er local restrictions so that those are met before closing up the wall.

 

[kngelv]

If the studs are open and you haven't installed insulation yet, my suggestion would be to read a book on basic wiring (the big box stores have them) and / or watch a you tube video on the topic. You could easily do the rough in wiring without hooking it up if you are uncomfortable doing that. It would add very little to your costs and you have have someone who is comfortable with wiring make the final hookup and testing. You would need to check local codes for things like height requirement from floor for outlets and any other special chickens....er local restrictions so that those are met before closing up the wall.

Exactly!!! I agree with everything in this post.

James

 

[mkat1951]

I would go external mount, I did all my electrical in the wall and I have regretted it ever since. It makes life difficult every time you move or add a new piece of equipment. That being said if you know exactly where everything is going to go and don't plan on adding anything then it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to run everything in the wall.

 

[yeldogt]

With the walls open -- it's so easy to run some wires. Have you done an inventory of what you want? Where is the panel? It being a small space

Even if you did surface mounted along the walls -- getting some feed wires to the various locations from the panel will save you some cash and make for a cleaner install. A length to the garage door opener. Another for a 220 outlet someplace.

I had to do surface on one of my SIP utility buildings .... It's a lot more expensive both in material and much more in labor.

 

[yeldogt]

I would go external mount, I did all my electrical in the wall and I have regretted it ever since. It makes life difficult every time you move or add a new piece of equipment. That being said if you know exactly where everything is going to go and don't plan on adding anything then it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to run everything in the wall.

How often has that occurred? In 30 years i have wanted to do move things only twice that I can remember -- typically the only issue is with 220 ... I just did a box extension and did the single on the surface.

Even before all the cordless tools most guys had way too many outlets -- some guys put them everywhere and you walk in -- all unused. Same with the 48" plywood rule .... the only time they have plywood around is when they are building the shop ... after it built they end up with all these high outlets in the way.

 

[rburke65]

As with most issues, it’s an opinion. I ran everything inside as I wanted the cleaner look.

 

[964haus]

If the studs are open and you haven't installed insulation yet, my suggestion would be to read a book on basic wiring (the big box stores have them) and / or watch a you tube video on the topic. You could easily do the rough in wiring without hooking it up if you are uncomfortable doing that. If you just got the boxes and wiring in place it could be finished off later.

It would add very little to your costs and you could later have someone who is comfortable with wiring make the final hookup and testing. You would need to check local codes for things like height requirement from floor for outlets and any other special chickens....er local restrictions so that those are met before closing up the wall.

Exactly!!! I agree with everything in this post.

James

I think this is the route I'll go. I've done some reading and internet searching, and it looks pretty simple. I can hire out the final hookup but if I can get the majority of it done myself, that'll be good.

Thanks as always.
m.

 

[Strouty]

I enclosed my wiring and so far have had several issues. I wish I had gone external.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I like conduit buried in the wall because when it’s outside it makes hanging cabinets and similar items a pain

You cant push stuff all the way against the wall, and you snag the conduit and boxes when you are sliding stuff near the walls

Plus its a dust/debris collector on top of the conduit and boxes


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[machsnell]

No brainer in wall. Easy no conduit needed. If you need in another location then put junction box outisde recp and run it in conduit to where you need it. You still will have the flexibility "just in case".

It's a single car so run every 4 feet and you will always have where you need it.



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[ford33]

I went external wall mount. Makes changes and additions so easy. As I hang cabinets and move things around, it is easy to move the external mounted outlets to a better location.

We require metal conduit and when properly installed it looks good.

 

[Aaron_W]

Even before all the cordless tools most guys had way too many outlets.

This is a problem nobody had ever, too many outlets....

 

[slow]

My regular residential 3 car garage has 1 open outlet. The top plug is taken for the sprinkler controller. I disagree with too many outlets, lol. Even my old "cheap house" had 3 outlets in a small 2 car garage.

 

[sierradmax]

My most commonly used receptacle in the garage is the overhead with a pull down reel. I put one wall receptacle centered on each wall but I rarely use them. I also used a 10' stick of wiremold at the bench. Adding receptacles to wiremold is very simple and looks great.

 

[PugetDude]

Last shop I built (OSB walls) I used surface-mount EMT, put a duplex outlet box on every third stud. (48" OC). Ran two different circuits for the 110V- started them in a double gang box, and also put a dedicated 220V for my welder near the overhead door. Put all the boxes at 54" above the floor so I wouldn't be bending over or reaching behind tools to plug something in and could store sheet goods below them without searching for a plug. Also used 24-plug Tripp-Lite power strips above the benches. Only change is I wished I'd put them on the outside edge of the bench, tucked under the overhang.

Never felt I had "too many outlets" (isn't that an oxymoron?)

 

[James-W]

In my garage, I ran the wiring inside the walls. I have an outlet every four feet, and have not had an issue. It makes the garage look "neat and clean" and I don't need to worry about having conduit in the way if I want to hang something up on a wall.

 

[GrayFlattop]

I went with surface mount EMT on top of the drywall. No regrets. I've had to make a few changes over the years and it was super-easy. It's a garage / workshop - so the aesthetics don't pose an issue for me. We have to use EMT for everything here, so it's a bit faster exposed. Learn how to bend a proper offset so you have a clean looking install. Alternately, use unistrut that you can also use for air lines, water & gas lines.

There are some drawbacks, but with planning that can be addressed.

 

[b-boy]

I opted to go internal.

I ran 4-20A circuits, 3-15A lighting circuits, and several 240V runs (for future use). All 120V outlets are at 48 inches.

I also added a 20A switched circuit for my Neon signs. Easy to turn them on and off that way.

I can still run stuff externally if I need to, but I'll never have open walls again, so I took advantage of them.

 

[Toomanytools?]

Well if it's a "small one car" garage how many outlets could you need? I say run the wire internal, nail up the boxes off the floor 18" to bottom for low outlets is usually recommended for the garage. Then what you think is needed for counter top height 42-48".
People always use the argument that with EMT you can add or change outlets, true but how often would you? Not like you see EMT in residential homes so we can change our minds on outlet placement.
If you aren't comfortable with it running wire tuck the EMT up or run a line at 48" to stay clear of future cabinets.

 

[johnnyradiant]

When I did my shop I did twice as many as I figured - I put dbl's in each location instead just one duplex receptacle. It has paid off in some places. In other places I just haven't got there yet. If you rough in now you get those receptacles and there is no law that I've encountered that says you cant add via conduit if the need arises. A wall mounted receptacle if not used does not take up much real estate, and usually is not viewed as ugly and obtrusive.

 

[fsae0607]

I like the "industrial" look, so I went with external.

 

[finn]

I buried the wiring in my garage, but the shop I bought has exposed conduit.

I like the surface mounted conduit better.

For a one car garage, it probably doesn’t make much difference. I my case , I added a number of outlets and wiring for the lift in the back roo. Aldo added circuits for the welder and plasma cutter, plus lighting in the main shop room. Lots easier adding with the surface lounge since the walls were enclosed with osb and steel.

I don’t mind the look of emt in the shop, either.

 

[Ign]

I would go external mount, I did all my electrical in the wall and I have regretted it ever since. It makes life difficult every time you move or add a new piece of equipment. That being said if you know exactly where everything is going to go and don't plan on adding anything then it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to run everything in the wall.

This. No way for a shop I'd ever choose anything but conduit on the wall. So easy to access and change if you want.

If you do go in the wall, add DOUBLE the amount of receptacles you think you need and once finished you'll have half as many as you truly want.

 

[ddawg16]

Mount your outlets about 54" from the floor.....that way, if you lean a 4x8 sheet of something against the wall, you are not blocking it.

And go inside. No conduit....less limits on where you can hang stuff.....cheaper....

I'm guessing you're in a hurry because it's cold. No reason you can't insulate now to get it warm.

 

[dfiler2]

It sounds like you may have decided to put it in the wall, don't forget you probably need to have the rough in inspected. You may be in an area where you don't need to worry about but I didn't see it mentioned yet.

 

[maralibis]

I prefer inside the walls.

The Bonehead who built my garage didn't install any outlets on the West wall I was forever running extension cords and last summer was the time. I pulled the siding off the West side of the garage, cut the OSB just enough to expose the framing and ran my wire as needed.

nailed back the OSB and re-hung the siding and called it a WIN!

Just a Note didn't have to fuddle with drywall left more time to drink a cold beer on that blistering summer day

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I opted to go internal.

I ran 4-20A circuits, 3-15A lighting circuits, and several 240V runs (for future use). All 120V outlets are at 48 inches.

I also added a 20A switched circuit for my Neon signs. Easy to turn them on and off that way.

I can still run stuff externally if I need to, but I'll never have open walls again, so I took advantage of them.

This is pretty well sums up what I plan on doing. I have a torched on roof so my conduit will be stubbed into the truss area. I will be using BX cabling so my first outlet will be GFCI. Banks of 4 outlets at 48+” high every 4-6’. and duplex (switched)about a foot below laminated trusses every 8-10’ at ceiling. Thinking of running 4” basket feeder/tray in some areas to fill with BX, data/voice, speaker cabling for main runs. These to be tywraped in tray(power) and Velcro for Data just to keep it tidy. I feel surface makes it difficult to run shelving, fit cabinets etc but that is just my opinion. My cabinets once in will be staying where put. So will be able to plan accordingly. The power room area will have a couple of empty outlets at 4 and 8’ heights for future requirements and instead of gyproc walls will have 3/4” plywood.
I just think in wall looks cleaner and less obstructions for working around or collecting dust.
JMHO

 

[machsnell]

^^^^this is basically what I did. I put 240 also by main counter and a few on walls and a few in ceiling.

If I could do it again I would have run conduit and wire under my slab and had flush outlets available in my main work area.

I have a few reels and i use them most of the time but then it's in the way and I can't stand electrical cord(s) on the ground to all the machines

In ground would have been so nice. And not that difficult either.

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[RVDan]

I’ve got some surface mount boxes in my narrow garage. I snag my jacket on them constantly.

 

[Matt M PA]

I too went inside the walls with electric. I mounted most outlets higher, too. This way, counter tops are below them...and in most cases...it's more handy with tools, etc.

That being said, I have had to do some surface mount wiring, too to add outlets in places that I never thought I'd need. For example, I decided the bent place to hang my Metro vac was between two of the garage doors. It's a very narrow panel so I never even though I'd need electric....but it's perfect for the vac.

I had never done much in the way of electric prior to wiring my garage, other than replace a switch or receptacle. I got a book at Lowes and read up. Both my rough and final were approved first time. It turned out that I actually enjoyed the electrical part.

 

[speed bump]

Can't say as I have ever wanted to move an outlet enough that I would have bothered splicing conduit for it in my 24x32 garage. In a 2000+ sq ft shop it might be a different story but in a small space with outlets every ~10 ft on 3 walls and every 4 ft on the work bench wall it hasn't been a problem.

 

[sberry]

I don't have any wall space left to lean a plywood against it in that fashion.

 

[CJ7VFR]

My most commonly used receptacle in the garage is the overhead with a pull down reel....

This is what I used most often also, when I lived in my townhouse that had a single car garage. I wired up a duplex receptacle up in the ceiling, tapped off of the light socket that was up there. Because this was centrally located in the ceiling, the pull down reel worked great for any work lights I needed, or to use my 120V welder, or any other electric tools.

The garage also had one duplex receptacle on one wall, near the garage door, about 3 feet up off the ground, but it was really too far away from where I worked on my car to be useful for using tools. I don't actually ever remember ever even using it. Also, there was one duplex receptacle at the back of the garage where I had my workbench.

When I moved into my current house, which has a two car garage, the first thing I did was wire up a duplex receptacle dead center in the ceiling for the pull down reel.

Even though there are receptacles all around the garage, I still use that pull down reel most of all.

Jim

 

[CJ7VFR]

I don't have any wall space left to lean a plywood against it in that fashion.

Neither do I, and my garage is maybe 1/10th the size of your shop! Everything seems to find it's way to outer perimeter of my garage.

I have too many cabinets, shelving units, ladders, work benches, car parts and other **** up against the walls that I am sure I buried a few receptacles along the way!!

Jim

 

[Plump]

I hate that I've lost so much work space and countertop space to big metal boxes. Phooey, you say. When you plug in a standard plug (love the space-saving flat plugs), four in a double box, there is no way to push your appliance, tool, charger, whatnot up against the wall. Having the outlet in the wall would be a blessing.

You can always ADD conduit where you need it in the future. Having the essentials buried, sounds like the best of both worlds to me!

 

[BD1]

In the wall gets my vote. Buy a bundle of 1/2'' conduit , 1900 boxes , and box connectors and go. The larger box will be easy to work with and you can install double outlets. If a box is in the way just use a plain cover plate.
You can run a box high and add a box extension to go exposed later if needed.
Many possibilities with conduit .
Check the materials section on craigslist for electrical goodies .