Overhead Outlets - Face Down or Out?

[ddawg16]

I'm trying to finish up the rough wiring in my garage.....

I have a large PSL beam, 7"x16" that goes across the middle of my garage (supports the second floor). I plan to install a couple of outlets on it...evenly spaced....the beam is down low enough that it allows me to reach up and plug/unplug a cord.

So....

Do I mount the outlets on the bottom of the beam?
Or no the side?

On the side, the cord is less likely to come out....but is being pulled from the side...if I step on the cord, it will most likel bend the plug or damage the receptical.

Opinions?

 

[mrb]

I would mount metal 4S boxes with 20amp twistlock receptacles facing down. Then have a few 20amp twistlock to straight blade adaptor cables long enough to get to the floor.

Both of the options you mention could result in the plug falling and damaging a car, or getting stepped on and damaging the plug and receptacle and possibly still falling on a car.

 

[gunguy]

Or mount a small cleat a few inches from the receptical. One wrap of the cord around the cleat after you plug it in will take the strain should you happen to step on it and prevent it from coming unplugged.

Jim

 

[nadogail]

I like the side mount and the cleat, twistlocks are, for most of us, a PITA

 

[tyrell2004]

What about somethign like this
Craftsman Cord Reel, Retractable with 30 ft. Extension Cord
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...LE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a#descriptionAnchor

 

[FunfDreisig]

With a side mounted receptacle you could just use a very short HD extension cord with a 90 degree molded plug that lays flat.

FWIW I use 3' 90 degree extesions hanging from 4' high wall plugs to get a plug-in near the floor. They don't stick out as far from the wall and they reduce the strain on a receptacle.

Funf Dreisig

 

[ddawg16]

All very good ideas.....and one of the reasons I posted the thread....

Based on your input...I'm leaning towards side mount and using angled plugs....make up a couple of pigtails that reach the floor....when I don't need them....I'll unplug or just hang up out of the way....better than a long extension cord.

I will be doing the cord reel in the front of the garage....next to the hose reel for the air...

 

[Aceman]

Side mount is no good, you'll bend the prongs or break them off in the recep.

Bottom mount with a twistlock sounds like a PIA. I'd rather use quality receps with good prong retention that will release the cord should I trip over it or step on it hard. Using a twist lock just means you're going to put a lot of pullout force on the cord end and box/recep should you step on it. Something needs to be able to give. JMO.