Help me plan my electrical

[Sigo]

I've recently had a 24x32 pole barn built and am in the process of planning my electrical runs. Here is the building layout:

I've got the walls framed out even with the interior faces of the posts and will insulate with R19 and cover with OSB. Will screw in the OSB so that I can take it down easier in the future for additional runs, etc. So far I have run one 220v drop for a mini-split AC centered on the back wall. Would appreciate your sage advice on running the rest. This will be a general use building and will primarily be used for woodworking, wrenching on cars, etc. I've got 150A service panel located on the right wall by the walk door. Currently I'm planning for the following:
1) Multiple 110V duplex outlets on each wall at about waist height
2) X number of lights in the ceiling
3) 2 outlets for the garage door openers
4) double light switch by entry door (one for interior lights and one for exterior lights)
5) One 220V duplex outlet on three main walls
6) Two lights and light switch in attic
7) X number of exterior lights (security/porch)

Would appreciate your thoughts on the cable runs, what else I should consider, pitfalls to avoid.

 

[Angelfire]

Post in the electrical forum and you're likely to get more responses.

My general philosophy regarding electrical particularly if you plan to put a finish on the walls (ie. drywall etc..) is to figure exactly what you need and then add additional items as a safety factor. Personally, I would be looking at outlets (120V) every so many feet (I haven't spent much time planning mine yet but thinking every 4-6'), mount them at the 4'+ level above the floor for ease of access as well as the ability to store plywood against the wall without losing an outlet (woodworker here), quad outlets vs. duplex may make sense as well, and more 220V than I think I really need. If you add many 220V, be sure to check your panel for spaces available....220V can eat up the space pretty quick (physical space). With regards to lighting, don't underestimate your needs. There is what everyone thinks is good and then there is really what it should be particularly if you have aging eyes. There are multiple threads in the Electrical section on this.
Good luck.
Cheers.

 

[Sigo]

I should have posted this in the electrical forum. Would the moderator please move to the correct forum. Thanks.

 

[Cyberbear]

With experience building several shops over the years I've come to realize what works for me: depending on how many spaces your 150 amp service panel is set up for I'd do it this way, subject to future changes as required based on usage.
1. Run a dedicated 30 amp line for the air compressor, and another for the remainder of your larger tools, such as welder, table saw, planer, etc. You probably won't be running more than two of these outlets at a time.
2. Run separate circuits for groups of ceiling lights with enough switches to turn off those that don't need to be on all the time. Keeping the lights separate from the wall outlet circuits prevents you being in the dark when a wall outlet breaker kicks when you stall the radial arm saw, for example.
3. You can never have too many double duplex 120 volt, 20 amp wall outlets at about 6 to 8 feet apart. I much prefer to run all my circuits in surface mount electrical metallic tubing (EMT) so I can add or delete any circuits as needed. Other than using copper wire with THHN or equal insulation, make sure all your connections are tight and you have green ground wires, black and white for the 120 and red for the 220 volt stuff. This helps when trouble shooting and is pretty much standard everywhere. Take your time and do a good job. I've found Home Depot to be a good source for electrical items, and ebay for the spools of wire, 220 outlets and cable ends. Oh yeah, make sure you use the proper grounding rod near your service.

 

[PhantomEB]

Alternate daisy chaining the outlets to so one breaker gets clipped, it doesn't hit the next one to it.

I like the keep walls separate from the lights.

I have my compressor on a welder plug so if need be I can plug into that corner as the one kitty corner to it, even though it's only a 24x24.... Can't be versatile enough!

I like 48" up but I think thats too high for a mechanic shop.