Code Requirements for Garage Electrical

[CTDan]

I hope this has not been asked before... I have searched here and other places, but cannot find a verifiable answer.

What are the code requirements for outlets in a garage? Is there a minimum spacing for outlets ? Is there a minimum or standard height? It is a 20'x20' two car garage. I am planning on adding two outlets to each of the two interior walls and one outlet on the ceiling for the garage door opener. I plan on running this back to the panel as an independent circuit.

Regarding lighting. I am planning on buying a 3500 lumen LED light bar for the ceiling. Will this be enough light for general use?

I cannot find any information if the garage is different than the rest of the house. I have removed the old wallboard on the interior walls and ceiling, so running the wires will be easy.

Thanks!

 

[rlitman]

It is different from the rest of your house. My understanding is that the minimum number of outlets is zero. i.e. there is no requirement to have outlets at all, though you are required to have an exterior outlet SOMEWHERE on your dwelling (but I'm not sure that an outlet inside a garage would even count for that purpose). I would personally suggest at least one outlet on each wall segment divided by a door (so that you can always plug something in, without the cord crossing a doorway).

If you do have outlets, they need to be GFCI protected.

 

[kd3pc]

All good questions that have been covered here, many times.

Short answer is....it depends -- On where you live and what release of the NEC your authority having jurisdiction follows, or not. Some localities pretty much do their own thing, regardless of what the NEC says. Receptacles, if your AHJ follows the NEC will have to be placed a certain distance apart, height off the floor is not as rigid. You will likely need GFCI and tamper proof receptacles. Again speak with the AHJ.

Is the garage attached to the house or not, that may impact what regs are to be followed.

As to the lighting, you will find that this is a very subjective issue, and a lot depends on what you plan to do in the garage and how much light you need to do it. I don't think a single light bar will provide enough light for much of anything except directly below it. In my 24x24 I have 8 each 2tube, 4' flourescents. But I like a lot of light for my fine work.

You may find that there will HAVE to be a fire rated wall between the garage and the house, if not required, it would be a really good thing to have anyway. Just in case.

bests

 

[AntonLargiader]

As I understand it, typical current code is one receptacle per vehicle (minimum) and you must have an interior light and an exterior light at a man door. No light required above the car door. Receptacles, even ceiling-mounted, must be GFCI.

I have never heard of a requirement for an outdoor receptacle but I'm not a code scholar.

I would go for at least a recep on each side wall (close to the garage door) and one in front of each vehicle.

 

[Stuart in MN]

What state or country are you located in? Assuming you're in the USA, different states use different revisions of the National Electric Code, and some states will include revisions to the Code in their requirements.

Note that the Code describes minimum requirements, and isn't a wiring guide.

 

[dw1]

2014 NEC
210.52 (G) (1) Basements, Garages, accessory buildings.
(1) Garages. In each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power . The branch circuit supplying this receptacle(s) shall not supply outlets outside of the garage. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed for each car space . Its has to be GFI protected.

 

[LB-1911]

I hope this has not been asked before... I have searched here and other places, but cannot find a verifiable answer.

What are the code requirements for outlets in a garage? Is there a minimum spacing for outlets ? Is there a minimum or standard height? It is a 20'x20' two car garage. I am planning on adding two outlets to each of the two interior walls and one outlet on the ceiling for the garage door opener. I plan on running this back to the panel as an independent circuit.

Regarding lighting. I am planning on buying a 3500 lumen LED light bar for the ceiling. Will this be enough light for general use?

I cannot find any information if the garage is different than the rest of the house. I have removed the old wallboard on the interior walls and ceiling, so running the wires will be easy.

Thanks!

As previously mentioned what version of the NEC is applicable / been adopted for your area?

Changes & Requirements for Receptacles, 2014 NEC

210.52(G) Dwelling Unit Garage Receptacle Outlets

A receptacle is now required for each car space in a garage. The garages encountered today at most dwelling units have gone from a simple place to park vehicles out of the elements in a bygone era to “do-it-all” locations where homeowners service their vehicles and/or convert a portion of the garage space to serve as a workshop.

In previous editions of the Code, one convenience receptacle outlet was required in this garage location regardless of the size of the garage or the intended use of same. In many instances, this one required receptacle outlet may very well be located behind a large appliance such as a freezer or refrigerator. It is not uncommon in these situations for the homeowner to resort to running an extension cord from this receptacle outlet behind the appliance or from the garage door receptacle outlet, stapling the cord to the ceiling and down the wall to have an additional outlet for convenience use for such things as hand drills, car vacuum cleaners, etc.

The majority of dwelling units built today is constructed with two- or three-car garages. This new provision which will now require an additional receptacle outlet for each car space will reduce the use of extension cords currently being used to extend the branch circuit wiring and will provide a safer environment for the homeowner.

http://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2013/09/16/changes-requirements-for-receptacles-2014-nec/

(edit)
National Electrical Code Adoption
http://www.nfpa.org/nec/nec-adoption-and-use/nec-adoption-maps

 

[mike93lx]

Lighting will depend on what you will do in there. A single fixture is plenty to just park cars, but for doing any work, you need more. In a 20x20, i would want at least 6 two bulb 4' fixtures, but i would probably install 10.

 

[ducksface]

As always l, without exception, ask in this order
Hoa
Tract covenants
Municipality
County
State
Federal.

No one can begin to answer your question unless they live in the exact same neighborhood as you and have done this work recently.

 

[sz0k30]

As always l, without exception, ask in this order
Hoa
Tract covenants
Municipality
County
State
Federal.

No one can begin to answer your question unless they live in the exact same neighborhood as you and have done this work recently.

Pretty funny advice coming from a guy who himself is afraid to list even the state he lives in.

 

[EdT]

All of the opinions here do not matter. What matters is the opinion of the local inspector. As mentioned above, every jurisdiction has or has not adopted the latest code and some "do their own thing". The simplest answer is to to ask the local building folks what they need to see in a garage space. Preferably, you can get an answer from the head of the electrical inspection group or maybe you live in a small town and there's one inspector for everything. In any case, try to get an answer from as high up the ladder as you can. E-mail is a good way to do this since you can make a printed copy for later if you need it. I have found it much easier to not view the inspection group as an enemy. Tell them what you want to do and ask how they would like to see it done. It is definitely a situation where asking permission first is better than asking for forgiveness later. In this case, forgiveness means doing it over. I built a shop and wanted to locate the breaker panel in a non-compliant location. I met with the inspector prior to doing the work and told him what I wanted to do and why and he agreed that it was a good reason and the exception would be allowed. When the inspection came around there was no problem. Had I just gone ahead and done it and tried to explain it away after the fact, I might have been moving a service entrance which is not a fun job.

 

[sberry]

The basics were splained above, no reason not to toss in a couple extra outlets and maybe another circuit, inspector won't have a problem with that.

 

[ducksface]

Pretty funny advice coming from a guy who himself is afraid to list even the state he lives in.

I guess that list might seem location specific to someone without any other opinion on the subject.

 

[gtae07]

There's code minimum, and then there's what you should actually install. And the latter depends on what you want to do in the garage. If you're just parking cars, probably one outlet per parking space, plus an outlet for an opener, would work. And a two-bulb fluorescent fixture (or equivalent) for each space would probably suffice.

If you plan to do any significant work out there, I'd go with several more light fixtures (4-6) and outlets for each opener in the ceiling. Run two or three separate circuits for outlets along the walls, every 4-6 feet on the spacing. If you think you might ever use a welder out there, or may ever remotely consider having an electric car, it would be a very good idea to go ahead and run a 240V circuit (I think car chargers like 50A on a four-prong outlet). This puts you well above code, but if you have the walls open it's only a little bit more work.


Either way, make sure you use fire-rated drywall at least on the walls adjoining the rest of the house, and probably the ceiling too (if the attic is shared or connected).

 

[CTDan]

Thanks Everyone for the information. This helps a lot.

All good questions that have been covered here, many times.

Short answer is....it depends -- On where you live and what release of the NEC your authority having jurisdiction follows, or not. Some localities pretty much do their own thing, regardless of what the NEC says. Receptacles, if your AHJ follows the NEC will have to be placed a certain distance apart, height off the floor is not as rigid. You will likely need GFCI and tamper proof receptacles. Again speak with the AHJ.

Sorry for digging up this subject.... again.

I live in the People's Democratic Socialist Republic of Connecticut.

Is the garage attached to the house or not, that may impact what regs are to be followed.

Yes, it is attached on two walls and it is under the master bedroom

As to the lighting, you will find that this is a very subjective issue, and a lot depends on what you plan to do in the garage and how much light you need to do it. I don't think a single light bar will provide enough light for much of anything except directly below it. In my 24x24 I have 8 each 2tube, 4' flourescents. But I like a lot of light for my fine work.

I'm not planning on this space being used for more than storing garages. I will bump it up to two 4' double LED lights, one above each car bay

You may find that there will HAVE to be a fire rated wall between the garage and the house, if not required, it would be a really good thing to have anyway. Just in case.

bests

That is a large part of this project. I had to tear down 1/3 of the ceiling for the plumbers and electricians during the bathroom remodel. The walls have years of damage. I figured this was a good time to just gut and start over with better insulation and fire rated drywall.

As previously mentioned what version of the NEC is applicable / been adopted for your area?

Changes & Requirements for Receptacles, 2014 NEC

210.52(G) Dwelling Unit Garage Receptacle Outlets

A receptacle is now required for each car space in a garage. The garages encountered today at most dwelling units have gone from a simple place to park vehicles out of the elements in a bygone era to “do-it-all” locations where homeowners service their vehicles and/or convert a portion of the garage space to serve as a workshop.

In previous editions of the Code, one convenience receptacle outlet was required in this garage location regardless of the size of the garage or the intended use of same. In many instances, this one required receptacle outlet may very well be located behind a large appliance such as a freezer or refrigerator. It is not uncommon in these situations for the homeowner to resort to running an extension cord from this receptacle outlet behind the appliance or from the garage door receptacle outlet, stapling the cord to the ceiling and down the wall to have an additional outlet for convenience use for such things as hand drills, car vacuum cleaners, etc.

The majority of dwelling units built today is constructed with two- or three-car garages. This new provision which will now require an additional receptacle outlet for each car space will reduce the use of extension cords currently being used to extend the branch circuit wiring and will provide a safer environment for the homeowner.

http://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2013/09/16/changes-requirements-for-receptacles-2014-nec/

(edit)
National Electrical Code Adoption
http://www.nfpa.org/nec/nec-adoption-and-use/nec-adoption-maps

Perfect. This helps a ton.

IIRC, you can add 3 additional outlets after a GFCI circuit. This will give me two on the wall for each car, one for the garage door opener, and one on the common wall with the family room biased towards the garage door.

I don't plan on living in this house for very long. I want this project to look good, but kept simple.

 

[AntonLargiader]

As was pointed out, there are variations across the country. Some places seem to require prep for EV charging. Some seem to require ceiling outlets whether you have openers or not. The latest code is a good starting point, though, and if you are getting it inspected just ask your local AHJ if your plan is OK. They will probably be glad to help; it's in everyone's interest to get it right the first time. If you're not subject to inspection just follow latest NEC along with any local requirements that you can discover. Google is quite powerful on this stuff.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I always heard that outlets and switches in a garage had to be minimum 48" off the finished floor.

 

[AntonLargiader]

I always heard that outlets and switches in a garage had to be minimum 48" off the finished floor.

Anyone can browse the NEC (even past versions) here, for free:

http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-stand...ds/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70

 

[Firebrick43]

2014 NEC
210.52 (G) (1) Basements, Garages, accessory buildings.
(1) Garages. In each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power . The branch circuit supplying this receptacle(s) shall not supply outlets outside of the garage. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed for each car space . Its has to be GFI protected.

What does "outside the garage" mean exactly? We are still on nec 2008 but it wouldn't hurt to do most stuff as nec 2014(except the arc fault breakers). Timely subject as I am putting conduit in today.

Does outside mean outlets are in another structure, say one in the house and a couple in the garage? Or does outside mean exterior? Lot of exterior plugs I have seen are not on a dedicated circuit but on a circuit on the inside of the wall that passes through and is GFI protected

 

[mm08822]

What does "outside the garage" mean exactly? We are still on nec 2008 but it wouldn't hurt to do most stuff as nec 2014(except the arc fault breakers). Timely subject as I am putting conduit in today.

Does outside mean outlets are in another structure, say one in the house and a couple in the garage? Or does outside mean exterior? Lot of exterior plugs I have seen are not on a dedicated circuit but on a circuit on the inside of the wall that passes through and is GFI protected

The code permits garage branch circuits to supply readily accessible outdoor receptacles. This is an exception stated in 210.10(C)(4).

So if you wanted an exterior receptacle on the outside wall of the garage, you can make it part of the garage circuit.
All recepts to be gfci protected.
You may want your lighting on a separate circuit too. Hardwiring the lighting also gets rid of the gfci requireement for garage ceiling recepts used for lighting.

There is no minimum spacing or heights (other than readily accessible from the floor.) As previously stated, 210.52(G)(1) requires 1 recept per vehicle bay no higher than 5.5'.

Put in a few more than you think you need now. Also put one on each side of the garage door to have quick access for vehicle repair outside the garage.

 

[AntonLargiader]

FWIW the "outside the garage" language was in 2014 (look around 210.50) and seems to be gone in 2017, and the exception mentioned above is added for 2017. In 2014 I think it could have been argued that the required receptacles had to be on their own non-outside circuit, but this potential argument has been eliminated now (or, whenever your locality adopts 2017).

We are about to adopt 2014, so I guess it's an issue here. But I'm not planning outdoor receptacles on my garage, so it doesn't matter to me.

 

[ducksface]

One for an 8500 opener and one for a standard opener.
Then
Twice as many as you think you'll need.

 

[sberry]

I saw one the other day, an outdoor, beautiful workmanship but should have been moves 4 ft where it would have been on an covered structure vs outdoor on side of building and would have been easier to wire with 1 less pipe.
But outdoor is good and should be done near as soon as it can but even inside a couple extra outlets on a circuit extension is totally worth the effort and super cheap. Aint no sense shorting yourself on a couple convenience outlets.

 

[mm08822]

Some real trendsetting states out there..........

www.nema.org/Technical/FieldReps/Documents/NEC-Adoption-Map-PDF.pdf

 

[sberry]

I doubt there is as many amendments as they are speculated there are.

 

[mm08822]

One for an 8500 opener and one for a standard opener.
Then
Twice as many as you think you'll need.

When i converted from chain drive center mount to the liftmaster torsion drive, i installed new recept in ceiling next to wall. Existing recept for original opener was perfect for remote controlled liftmaster light. Good enough to get the car in at night.

 

[75gmck25]

The best solution is to take your wiring plan/layout to the local permit office and have them review it. Then take their comments and adjust accordingly.

I would consider this a useful minimum for a typical garage (not intended to be enough for a working shop):
- overhead light(s) with wall switch near man-door(s)
- exterior light and switch near man-door(s)
- GFCI receptacle (in the wall/front) for each car bay
- ceiling GFCI receptacle for each car bay (for door opener)
- exterior GFCI receptacle near each exterior door

For my garage minimum I would add:
- additional GFCI receptacles at bench height (48"?) along each wall, probably at about 4 foot intervals. At least two 20 amp circuits.
- 1-2 ceiling GFCI receptacles at the middle of the garage to use when I want to keep cords out of the way (for drop lights, battery maintainer, etc.)
- 30 amp 120V receptacle for higher amperage tools and/or RV
- prewire/plan for other high power tools or for EV station. I would probably plan for up to a 4 wire 50 amp 240V.

I would also make sure the overhead lights are not blocked by the door when up, and that they are located so they will light the areas next to and in front of the cars.

Bruce

 

[dscheidt]

- 1-2 ceiling GFCI receptacles at the middle of the garage to use when I want to keep cords out of the way (for drop lights, battery maintainer, etc.)

Can't put GFCI receptacles on the ceiling. They need to be readily accessible, which means no ladders.

 

[Firebrick43]

The best solution is to take your wiring plan/layout to the local permit office and have them review it. Then take their comments and adjust accordingly.

I would consider this a useful minimum for a typical garage (not intended to be enough for a working shop):
- overhead light(s) with wall switch near man-door(s)
- exterior light and switch near man-door(s)
- GFCI receptacle (in the wall/front) for each car bay
- ceiling GFCI receptacle for each car bay (for door opener)
- exterior GFCI receptacle near each exterior door

For my garage minimum I would add:
- additional GFCI receptacles at bench height (48"?) along each wall, probably at about 4 foot intervals. At least two 20 amp circuits.
- 1-2 ceiling GFCI receptacles at the middle of the garage to use when I want to keep cords out of the way (for drop lights, battery maintainer, etc.)
- 30 amp 120V receptacle for higher amperage tools and/or RV
- prewire/plan for other high power tools or for EV station. I would probably plan for up to a 4 wire 50 amp 240V.

I would also make sure the overhead lights are not blocked by the door when up, and that they are located so they will light the areas next to and in front of the cars.

Bruce

Um, you know that a GFCI outlet installed first will protect all others down stream, saving meaning only a couple not dozens.

 

[sberry]

He is not building a machine shop here either, a simple circuit or 2 with a couple extra outlets is all he needs.

 

[Sokoloff]

IIRC, you can add 3 additional outlets after a GFCI circuit. This will give me two on the wall for each car, one for the garage door opener, and one on the common wall with the family room biased towards the garage door.

It is true that you can add 3 additional outlets downstream (on the "Load" terminals) of the GFCI and those will also be protected.

But, there's nothing that I'm aware of that limits you to 3. You could have 5 or 7 downstream outlets just as well.

 

[75gmck25]

I assume you would either use a GFCI breaker for the entire circuit, or a GFCI receptacle with additional receptacles downstream.

I don't know of any limit on the number of downstream receptacles, but it helps if the wiring scheme is easy to follow when you are troubleshooting. For example, if you put all the bench-height receptacles on one side of the garage downstream of one GFCI and all of the receptacles on other side downstream of another GFCI (on that side of the garage), that would be easy for me to remember.

Bruce

 

[CTDan]

I assume you would either use a GFCI breaker for the entire circuit, or a GFCI receptacle with additional receptacles downstream.

I don't know of any limit on the number of downstream receptacles, but it helps if the wiring scheme is easy to follow when you are troubleshooting. For example, if you put all the bench-height receptacles on one side of the garage downstream of one GFCI and all of the receptacles on other side downstream of another GFCI (on that side of the garage), that would be easy for me to remember.

Bruce

Square D QO 20amp GFCI breakers are $75. A standard 20 amp breaker is $8 and the GFCI outlets are in a box in the basement.

Dan

 

[CTDan]

I have finally heard from the city inspector

...for the garage the electrician should install a separate circuit that does not supply any outlets outside of the garage. It needs to be gfi protected. Garage door openers also need gfi protection that must be readily accessible, so it can’t be a gfi plug in the ceiling. If it’s a two car garage you need an outlet for each car space. Most electricians run a 20 amp circuit to the garage and that covers everything in the garage. Also if the garage is unfinished you need physical protection for the wires so usually you would run wires from above and try to limit cables below four feet.