Can we get a sticky...for the basics?

[fergus]

I'm a total newb when it comes to electrical...I've changed out some receptacles and hung some ceiling fans, but I need to wire my whole garage. Coming into this forum, I never get far since there are so many threads about so many different issues.

Can we get a consolidated thread with just basics for beginners like me? Just post up the links that are golden for what it takes to install service in a building? Maybe like a directory they have over in Garage Gallery?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You're not the first one to ask for this! The reason u don't see a sticky for this is because there are too many variables- different conductor insulation grades, al or cu, different types of cable- some allowed to be direct buried, some requiring conduit; distance and voltage drop, etc.!

Just post the pertinent details and we will help u out!

 

[matt151617]

Local codes also vary by area. Remember that working without a permit and inspection can result in not only fines but your insurance denying to pay for a replacement house/garage if yours burns down from an electrical fire.

A good start is to head to your local Lowes or Home Depot, or even Amazon, and pick up a basic wiring book. This will cover electrical basics such as outlets and lights.

 

[eljefino]

A good start would be to snoop around new construction in your town... I don't mean it literally but see what a neighbor did and just know what to look for. Did they use conduit, GFCIs, subpanels, metal or plastic boxes, naked studs or sheetrock, fire walls? What is the inspector (if there is one) most interested in?

Should cover branch circuit vs subpanel vs off the main meter lug, attached vs detached garages.

 

[madosta]

All of this basic starting guide would be helpful in a sticky.

0. Safety first.
1. Get a book.
2. Get a plan together, what you need (because your permit application requires it).
3. Talk to your township zoning/building people.
4. Submit your permit app, pay your fee.
5. Do a good job, take your time, have fun, post on GJ specific questions.
6. Check, double check.
7. Have an electrician help.
8. Have it inspected.

Some basic "gotchas" would be good too. For instance, I started wiring everything 1/2" EMT when my electrician said sure it will be fine, but now I'm going to be switching to 3/4 for everything. Had I done this in the beginning, it might have been less work, but less fun.

I do agree that each scenario is unique, that's where the pros on this forum come in handy.

Or at least some basics like wire types, THHN, THWN, SXL, MTW, etc. Aluminum vs Copper, stranded vs solid, sub panels (DO NOT BOND GND AND NEU) etc.

 

[wssix99]

1. Get a book.

+1 This is a great one to get started with:

IMO - Wiring out a whole garage is probably a bit much unless you have someone experienced to work with and learn from.

 

[Falcon67]

X7, what they said. You can get the simple stuff - how to wire a switch and a light, plugs, white wire/black wire, etc from a book at the home center. Service to a building - now you are into codes, local requirements and all the associated variables. No "one size fits all". Best reading at that level is a book something like Practical Electrical Wiring. It discusses codes, gounding, server entrances, etc in depth.

A simple example - my shop entrance is grounded with 20' of #4 copper suspended in the slab. This is good, per NEC code. However, if I had built the shop in the next town over, it would have been tagged by the inspector because they require TWO forms of grounding, so the #4 copper would also have to be suplimented with a rebar stick up or two copper rods 6' apart.

 

[madosta]

Can we at least update the main sticky to have guidelines??? I'd love to see descriptive titles like "How to install wire between steel girts?" or "Look at this burnt insulation I found!"

Titles like "stupid question" and "help me out" are useless and annoying!

 

[Zeke]

Another forum I'm on has an Index of aArticles as a sticky and the articles are nominated by consensus from the members. The thread is closed to general participation, so it's all "meat" and no potatoes.

This is an excellent resource for shop procedures and such. No reason basic electrical articles can't be indexed as well. It's no small task, though.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Can we at least update the main sticky to have guidelines??? I'd love to see descriptive titles like "How to install wire between steel girts?" or "Look at this burnt insulation I found!"

Titles like "stupid question" and "help me out" are useless and annoying!

This really applies to every forum

Here's one link that can be helpful: http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/home...o-dwellings/wiring-a-detached-garage-2002.php It's based on the 2002 NEC so it isn't necessarily 100% up to date, but it has some useful information. There are other similar articles on that website covering other typical electrical work, as well as some videos on installing receptacles, changing switches, etc.