outlets?

[cruzzer]

When I was at Lowes the other day I was looking for outlets for the garage. Years ago I thought they carried a hd type outlet, commercial type, orange in color? The couple lowes near us are smaller loses stores and not sure if its just ours or all. A lot are tamper proof now? is this a new code? Its code to have GFI in a garage now? I need to change out about a dozen outlets and just want to get something decent so I do not have to do it again for a long time(or ever).
Also, does everybody put the outlets the standard height? or go up to workbench height? I figure where I'm rewiring I may as well go higher so I wont have to use extension cords and have outlets behind workbenches.

 

[pattenp]

All outlets in the garage are to be GFCI and if you're under 2011 NEC the outlets are also to be tamper proof. Are you just replacing old outlets or adding new circuits and outlets? If it's not getting inspected I wouldn't mess with the TP outlets, but I would do the GFCI.

 

[Milton Shaw]

I have seen GCFI outlets wired with both in and out wires on the line terminal and then individual GCFI's in every box. That way only one outlet trips with a fault and does not turn off the whole shop like it does it you use GCFI as the first outlet and connect the out wires to the load. A little more expense for more GCFI outlets but a whole lot handier in use.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Orange receptacles are isolated ground receptacles. You don't need these, or want to pay the price for them. Instead look for something like Leviton ProGrade backwire receptacles. The Leviton number will be something like 5252-ISP (this is the 15 amp Ivory color) the numbers will be the same, just the letters vary with the color.

If you need Tamper Resistant, you'll have to do some looking. They do make a industrial version in Tamper Resistant, and also in TR Decora type now. Manufacturers are finally providing the heavy duty stuff with the extra features.

Charles

 

[cruzzer]

I'm hoping to get some without the tamperproof, I'll be going with grey or black. I'll make the cover plates bright to stand out. I remember helping install those orange ones in a place years ago but could not remember why/what they were for. Just knew they were more HD or something. I'll hit the regular mom & pop hardware store near me. Our lowes seams to have only designer stuff and I'd rather support the little guy anyway.

 

[cruzzer]

Thanks BTY!

 

[ishiboo]

Lowes sells a nice backwire 15A/20A receptacle in gray, use that plus a GFCI at the start of the run.

 

[Steevo]

Lowes sells a nice backwire 15A/20A receptacle in gray, use that plus a GFCI at the start of the run.

The 20A version of these is what I used in my shop.
Very nice quality, nylon material, and good backwire clamping.
I used them in conjunction with 20A GFCI's for each group of five or six.