Future Proofing

[ishamael69]

Before I close my walls, I would like to attempt to future proof. Right now I just tinker in my garage, and all I have is 110V tools, basically 15 amp max. I was thinking of running some 10/3 for a possible future compressor, and then maybe 2 more 10/3 sets to my working area. On each of these two, I would install 2 x 20amp GFCI outlets in a multi wire branch circuit config. Then, if I ever need 220 in my work area, I just rewire the 2 outlets into 1 220. Sound good? Forgetting anything?

If I do the above, can I use a 30 amp 2 pole breaker, even with the 20 amp outlets? I know in a house, you can use 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit, so I figure it is the same, but I might be wrong.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

U cant have a 30a breaker protecting a 20a or smaller outlet.

And wiring for motor circuits is based on HP rating. So if u want to future proof u need to figure out what HP compressor u will get then, pull correct wire size. 10/2 NM-b isnt large enough for 5HP...

 

[ard]

Id put in conduit- PVC or EMT- and not wires. Low voltage, AC, control, data, fiber...all can be placed in conduits. One for AC, the other for everything else. Like 3/4" or even 1"

Edit: And conduit lets you figure out all that **** later....in the future.

 

[-Brent-]

The only thing I've done both in my house and in the shop is provide access at certain areas. Each of my home runs is accessible. In the shop, I have a section (a narrow strip) of attic floor that could be pulled up if I needed to run something new. Also, in the house, I have an area where I have one of those plastic access panels that covers a 12"x12" hole. If I needed to pull something up to the second floor, this would allow me to do it without cutting anything. There'd still be areas where I would have to make changes but if I knew what I needed, in the future, I'd have already done it.

 

[Shiftless]

Id put in conduit- PVC or EMT- and not wires. Low voltage, AC, control, data, fiber...all can be placed in conduits. One for AC, the other for everything else. Like 3/4" or even 1"

Edit: And conduit lets you figure out all that **** later....in the future.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
on this

That's exactly why I did mine that way

 

[Markfothebeast]

You can always just run the 10/3 wiring where it is needed and use a blank faceplate so there is no future confusion. I'd leave the 10/3 uncut and labeled on the panel side until it is being used.

I run a 2 pole 30 amp breaker with 10/3 to my 3.7HP 240v compressor which uses 14.7a continuous. Estimate twice that current for startup draw. I only actually needed 10/2. If you can afford to run 8 gauge wire, go for it.

I ran 12/2 for all of my outlets on 20 amp breakers with actual 20 amp outlets. I was blowing fuses with 15 amp outlets on 12/2 (when we had a lug fuse panel). Other things to think about; speaker wire, Cat5e, coax, exterior GFCI, outdoor flood lights, etc

10/3 is thick. I wonder how difficult it would be to run through corner conduit?



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[Firebrick43]

Ard has it +2 on the conduit. In fact I am going to put all my wiring in conduit(emt). If you watch your sales and are doing the work it's very close to Romex. I wanted to do rmc but it's a dollar a foot above emt in cost.