Pigtail 12/2 Wire Questions

[blair683]

I am installing some outlets in my new pole garage. I am trying to to avoid drilling holes in my 6"x6" posts to run wires. I plan to put an outlet on each post. I am using the single gang plastic outlet boxes that just nail to the side of the post. I was wondering if I could run the wire straight up from my breaker box. Then across the top of my header. At the top of each post (above the ceiling) I was wanting to put a junction box. In each box I planned to pigtail three wires. The wires coming from the panel, the wires running down the pole to an outlet, then a wire running to the next post on top of the header. Does this make sense? It is kind of hard to put in to words. I guess my main question is about the junction boxes. Is it safe to have three wires pigtailed together with wire nuts then wrap the nuts in electrical tape for extra safety. Each junction box would have three hot wires pigtailed, three neutrals pigtailed, and the copper grounds pigtailed. Thanks in advanced for any help.

 

[radio2000]

Yes, that's the norm. You have the right idea.


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[pattenp]

If the wires are stripped to the correct length and wire nutted correctly tape is not needed.

 

[brewchief]

I would simply drop the wire down and then back up at each post, you will use more wire but save junction boxes, wire nuts and time. If you plan on putting a ceiling in then keep in mind that the junction boxes would need to be accessible.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Agree with what brewchief said about accessibility of the junction boxes and running the wires w/o the junction boxes.

Also, why only single gang boxes and not 4 inch square boxes?

Maybe I have been in Illinois too long but I am really beginning to like EMT.

 

[dmcintosh]

I ran my wires between the posts and the exterior metal along the perlins. The inspector was fine with this. No need to drill though posts, and/or run wires up and down each post. I am installing interior walls for what it’s worth.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Agree with what brewchief said about accessibility of the junction boxes and running the wires w/o the junction boxes.

Also, why only single gang boxes and not 4 inch square boxes?

Maybe I have been in Illinois too long but I am really beginning to like EMT.

You must like spending extra money as well.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

You must like spending extra money as well.

lol, nah, it is shiny!

 

[Norcal]

You must like spending extra money as well.

Exposed Romex *****, particularly in a pole barn.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Exposed Romex *****, particularly in a pole barn.

I can agree with that but EMT homie lives in Chicago where you gotta pipe every damn thing even in a dwelling.

No thanks.

 

[Skiff Builder]

My inspector was fine with me running 12/2 romex ,in 3' lengths of 3/4 pvc conduit, to protect on pilings. I also pigtailed inside outlet boxes,no J boxes. An extra 4' of wire per outlet. I did not use quads due to the round pilings.

 

[6768rogues]

I have 6x6 posts and I just drilled through them. Why not?

 

[Fishingfoolemjak]

Also, make sure your box is rated for the cubic inches required for 3 12/2 romex’.... (20.25 cubic inches minimum). I wouldn’t recommend running exposed romex down the pole either, it’s unsafe.

 

[BillK]

I would simply drop the wire down and then back up at each post, you will use more wire but save junction boxes, wire nuts and time. If you plan on putting a ceiling in then keep in mind that the junction boxes would need to be accessible.

Thats the way I did mine but it isnt a pole barn and only 9 ft ceilings. A lot less work than all of those boxes.

 

[casmurbax]

My inspector was fine with me running 12/2 romex ,in 3' lengths of 3/4 pvc conduit, to protect on pilings. I also pigtailed inside outlet boxes,no J boxes. An extra 4' of wire per outlet. I did not use quads due to the round pilings.

Skiff Builder, Is that floor higher then the garage door, if so what is the purpose? Just curious, thanks.

 

[Skiff Builder]

casmurbax,
Yes, the floor level is higher than the door.Short concrete ramps are inside the garage. Couple of reasons:
I could have increased the grade outside to the floor height, but would have been a lot of extra work/material.

Was able to use an 8' tall door. All 3 pro garage door installers I got estimates from said "I could not do that,would need a 7'6"door".(Saved a ton doing it myself, and you know how it is when someone tells you you can't do that).Tight clearance due to beam/piping chase.

Indoor ramp allows me to dip a boat in through the door .

Also will keep any nuisance water out.

 

[casmurbax]

Skiff, thanks. Sorry to hijacking this thread.