receptacle placement
- Thread starter belvedere
- Start date
R_Willis
Well-known member
Code will set where you need to place them. Extras would be up to you.
I guess I should clarify. I know what code requires. I'm just looking for practical advice, since this is my first real shop. IOW, what worked for you, or what do wish you'd have done differently? That sort of thing. Thanks!
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
Put them high enough that they will be above any workbenches, no matter where you put them. Code does not address height or spacing in garage environments.
Install lots of them, more than you think you would ever use, just so there will be one where ever you need it.
Purchase good quality receptacles, probably $3 and up. If its a $1.50 or less, you can bet it is junk.
Charles
Install lots of them, more than you think you would ever use, just so there will be one where ever you need it.
Purchase good quality receptacles, probably $3 and up. If its a $1.50 or less, you can bet it is junk.
Charles
I think height and quanity would be dictated by application, but here are my thoughts...
Place them just above workbench height. This allows you to minimize the times you "hide" them.
More importantly to me - If you run 3 circuits, for example, alternate the outlet placement. Circuit 1 outlet 1, circuit 2 outlet 1, circuit 3 outlet 1... This will allow you to plug in multiple high amperage tools right next to each other without tripping a breaker.
Place them just above workbench height. This allows you to minimize the times you "hide" them.
More importantly to me - If you run 3 circuits, for example, alternate the outlet placement. Circuit 1 outlet 1, circuit 2 outlet 1, circuit 3 outlet 1... This will allow you to plug in multiple high amperage tools right next to each other without tripping a breaker.
GarageEnvy
Well-known member
I just finished doing mine yesterday and it is definitely application specific but here's what I did and why. I planned where all my stationary tools (bandsaw, table saw, drill press, welder, etc) would go and made sure I had a plug specifically for them and placed it high enough where I wouldn't have to crawl behind a machine to get to it. The saws that are out in the open I ran overhead plugs for so I wouldn't be stepping over and sweeping around cords. For the welder I have a plug where it goes and a plug on the front post of the garage (inside) in case I need to weld something outside in the driveway. Then I went back through and placed a ring of boxes about every 6'. As far as height goes I placed mine about 1' above my workbench height. The reasoning is a little odd. I wanted to clear any joints in the drywall (from top down measurement) and I wanted to be high enough that I cleared a spray can. Shamefully I have to admit that sometimes the workbench gets cluttered and I didn't want to keep knocking stuff over or sifting through stuff to get to the plug. Mine is 53' wide and 34' deep but most of this is all in a 12' wide and 34' deep section.
Tom McDermott
Active member
I like them about 52 inches up off the floor. That way if I need to lay a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood temporarily up against the wall, the outlet can still be accessed.
-- Tom
-- Tom
thdewey
Well-known member
I put mine 48.5" off of the floor for the same reason as above but I could run the first course of 4X8 OSB on the wall without making any cuts. All the cuts were on the edge second course.
Another Tom
Another Tom
Falcon67
Well-known member
hidollartoys
Well-known member
Put them anywhere you want them. No matter where you put them....Most time they will be in the wrong place and sometimes they will be in the right place.
Consider putting some on the lower front edge of the workbench. I have a shelf on the wall behind the workbench and the outlets are right under the shelf. Also consider a few in the ceiling to power up the retractable cord reels hanging there.
lg
no neat sig line
lg
no neat sig line