'extra' 220V outlets... how many amps

[tff]

Right now I've spec'ed three 220V outlets in my garage. One is for a lift. The other two are 'for future use'. To be honest, I'm not sure what i'd use those for (compressor?, welder?, car charger?...), but is there any guidance on how many amps those two extras should be? (is 30 amps enough?)

Probably a better question is whether I should add 2 220V outlets for the future or should I just not even add them at all. The garage will be sheet-rocked but I presume an electrician in the future can install a specific wire from my box for my specific use at the time?

(I will have 100 amp service to the garage).

Thanks. (I am not an home electrical expert).

 

[Stuart in MN]

Without knowing what device you may be connecting to it's hard to say. How about having the electrician just run some empty conduit now, and then if and when you need them install wire.

 

[8mpg]

Definitely add them as it will be much cheaper to do now rather than later. I'd say standard 30amp outlets will be enough to do 90% of what you would do in a garage.

 

[pattenp]

Depending on how your local electrical code is enforced only one outlet per circuit may be allowed if over 20A.

 

[Norcal]

In the parts of the world where they use 220V a 16A receptacle / socket is common, but in your case the only way is to know what type of 240V equipment is going to be used, just taking a stab at what you think it needs may not work out that well.

 

[sberry]

Put a couple 4x4 boxes below the service box with a chunk of number 8 cable. That would handle any comp or welder a guy wanted to add. As good or better make a panel that can be removed.

 

[matt_i]

I like the idea of conduit, pull in wires later.

However, if you are dead set on wiring now, I'd wire a 50A outlet with #6awg to a 6-50 "range plug" receptacle and however many 30A receptacles you think you might need using #10awg. The biggest question will be placement...

 

[tyme2par4]

I like the idea of conduit, pull in wires later.

However, if you are dead set on wiring now, I'd wire a 50A outlet with #6awg to a 6-50 "range plug" receptacle and however many 30A receptacles you think you might need using #10awg. The biggest question will be placement...

Agreed. Either run conduit around the walls in each direction in order to pull later, or put one 50A circuit on each side.
50A will handle any welder, and will also accommodate most EV charging needs.

 

[sberry]

I can get a chunk of free wire so what I might do,,, and I can,, which is a factor might be different than what I might do for someone else. If a guy knows he is getting an electric car then I can understand all this, If he knows he is getting a 5 hp comp then its a deal. Modern welders can run on 10 especially in a small garage.
While it doesn't meet the letter I can say for a fact thousands and thousands of the small 5 hp comps are running on 10 cable 30A breakers. Probably more than wired right and now they come with the "special" same motor different listing to meet this.