Question about installing some outlets.

[Bobdog]

This isn't exactly a garage question, but the breaker panel is in the garage, so it'll be involved at least partly.

I want to run a new 15 amp line out of my panel and into the basement, using romex cable. I'd like to install 6 duplex receptacles on this line at various points around the space.

The basement isn't a finished space, so I want to use metal handy boxes and affix them to the walls. Here's where the question comes in; should I attach 1" x 4" pine boards to wall, paint them and then attach the boxes to it and use cable staples or should I go with weather tite PVC boxes affixed directly to the block wall and run conduit up into the floor joists to receive the cable?

I want to do it right and not have a problem with the inspectors, so any help would be appreciated.

 

[padroo]

First of all I wouldn't run a 15 amp circuit, I would run a 20 amp with 12 gauge wire.

If you are having it inspected I would check with him otherwise I would mount the electrical boxes to the block wall with Tacon screws, then run thin wall condit up into the ceiling area into a 4 x 4 metal box and then run 12 gauge wire back to a 20 amp breaker. You can make your next run to the next receptacle from the 4 x 4 box.

Tapcon screws are the simple way to attach to masonry.

http://www.google.com/search?q=tapc...UICCgC&biw=1024&bih=768#imgrc=7yE-T4bw-k2s0M:

 

[Bobdog]

First of all I wouldn't run a 15 amp circuit, I would run a 20 amp with 12 gauge wire.

If you are having it inspected I would check with him otherwise I would mount the electrical boxes to the block wall with Tacon screws, then run thin wall condit up into the ceiling area into a 4 x 4 metal box and then run 12 gauge wire back to a 20 amp breaker. You can make your next run to the next receptacle from the 4 x 4 box.

Tapcon screws are the simple way to attach to masonry.

http://www.google.com/search?q=tapc...UICCgC&biw=1024&bih=768#imgrc=7yE-T4bw-k2s0M:

That sounds like a plan.

I thought I remembered hearing that it wasn't Kosher to attach the boxes directly to a block wall in a basement a while back. From your response, I guess that's incorrect?

 

[Speedy Petey]

I agree with the previous reply to run conduit up the wall, but do NOT put a box at the top. That is unnecessary work and material, and if you ever finish the area that will create a violation by burying the boxes. Just use a conduit to NM changeover fitting.

Also, do use 4x4 boxes with raised covers and NOT handy boxes. Handy boxes, even deeper ones, are too small and are the scourge of the electrical industry.

 

[logical]

Don't forget to make the breaker or the first outlet in the run GFCI.

 

[Bobdog]

I agree with the previous reply to run conduit up the wall, but do NOT put a box at the top. That is unnecessary work and material, and if you ever finish the area that will create a violation by burying the boxes. Just use a conduit to NM changeover fitting.

Also, do use 4x4 boxes with raised covers and NOT handy boxes. Handy boxes, even deeper ones, are too small and are the scourge of the electrical industry.

SO, just daisy chain the outlets instead of using junction boxes?

Is it ok to run two NM cables in the same conduit or do I need two run two into each box (one IN and one OUT)?

 

[logical]

SO, just daisy chain the outlets instead of using junction boxes?

Is it ok to run two NM cables in the same conduit or do I need two run two into each box (one IN and one OUT)?

One is fine. They do make little plastic cap/sleeves for the top of the open conduit if you are at all concerned about the sharp edges getting into the romex.

 

[Cmreschke]

Some sort of fitting is required at the top of the conduit, don't just leave it bare.

 

[FTG-05]

I agree with the previous reply to run conduit up the wall, but do NOT put a box at the top. That is unnecessary work and material, and if you ever finish the area that will create a violation by burying the boxes. Just use a conduit to NM changeover fitting.

Also, do use 4x4 boxes with raised covers and NOT handy boxes. Handy boxes, even deeper ones, are too small and are the scourge of the electrical industry.

Speedy, could you show pics of what you mean here? Both the raised cover boxes and the "scourge" boxes? I have no clue what each of those look like.

Thanks!

 

[Speedy Petey]

4" square box:

Raised cover:

Handy box:

 

[sands35]

The small single gang ones that barely fit one duplex and one set of wires. Friggin royal PITA. Basically guarentees poped breakers for shorts to ground. No way you can fit two 12 nm wires in them.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Speedy. What does a "raised cover" get attached to? Will a "raised cover" fit on all 4x4 boxes?

OP: If you use double boxes, you can put a second receptacle in the box and/or put LED lights in the boxes, or leave the second spot in the box empty.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Speedy. What does a "raised cover" get attached to? Will a "raised cover" fit on all 4x4 boxes?

Raised covers are made for 4"sq boxes and 4-11/16"sq boxes.

 

[Bobdog]

Thanks for the info!

I'm going to start working on this Saturday morning.

 

[FTG-05]

4" square box:

Raised cover:

Handy box:

Ok, now I know what you're talking about. Thanks,

I thought you may have been talking about the plastic boxes I used to add duplex outlets in my shop.

Thanks,

 

[bczygan]

Why are the metal boxes the choice over plastic boxes?

Bill

 

[Speedy Petey]

Why are the metal boxes the choice over plastic boxes?

Bill

Because he's thinking of using conduit down the wall. EMT is clean and easy, and PVC affords no more protection in the eyes of the code than NM cable itself.