Single BX line into Garage; How best to split?

[getfamiliar]

I have a single bx line coming into the garage and I'd like to install 1 8' light, 1 4' light, a spooled extension cord reel and 1 outlet strip.

Am I better off trying to get a subpanel or run a bunch of splices? I'd prefer to use raceway/on the wall throughout.

 

[rkevins]

what size is the wire coming in and how many conductors ?
What voltage and amperage breaker is it connected to ?
depending on these will help better define your situation.

 

[mds5951]

My brain tells me subpanel... But I don't know what "code" would dictate. It seems like a lot of equipment to be running off one line... Unless its rather large gauge.

I would probably use a subpanel just for the ability to turn off certain circuits while leaving the rest hot... Ie one light goes bad and needs replaced, you don't lose power to the whole garage.

 

[greg r]

A subpanel would depend on whether or not the shop is attached to the structure where the juice is coming from. Even if it's attached, a panel is very handy for easy access to dividing up the circuits and having protection for each.

Above all, it depends on the conductor size going into the garage. If it's 12 ga you are limited to 20 amps. Conductors,by code, require protection in the source panel that is based on the conductor size. For example a 10 ga wire going to the shop will need 30 amp protection unless you divie it up in the shop to smaller wire; which then the protection is based on the SMALLEST conductor. If a circuit in the shop has 14 ga, you are limited to 15 amps for the whole shop. See where a sub-panel can help? Exceeding the conductor's rated amps or the tool's reasonable current draw can start fires or at the least let the smoke out of something.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Where are you located? If in the US, what state?
Is the garage attached or detached?
What are the existing electrical loads on that circuit?
Does this circuit supply power only to the garage, or to other parts of the house?
What is the size of the circuit breaker back in the panel? What gauge is the wire?
A lot of questions need to be answered before we can offer any advice.