Spacing outlets???

[atomicjoe23]

Getting ready to start a major rennovation on the garage and wanted some input on what you guys recommend for spacing of outlets?

I'm running a dedicated power supply out to the garage with separate 220 circuits for my air compressor, MIG & TIG welders, lathe, and a couple of reserve circuits for a plasma cutter, mill, and hopefully a 2-post lift in the future. . .I want to make sure I have enough 110V outlets that it's convenient for me to plug in wherever I'm working, but I've been living off of extension cords for so long that I'm not really sure what would be convenient vs. overkill. . .

Thanks for the help!

 

[D.J.]

I would consider at least one duplex every four feet or a double ( four ) in a gang box every eight feet. Also four every four feet in the main workbench area.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Is this a detached garage?

If so u cant run multiple feeds to it.

 

[rsnip988]

I'm wiring up my new garage now, spacing outlets every 5 feet around the perimeter, plus 3 double (4 outlets) along my 10' workbench top. Each wall is going to have it's own 15A breaker, and the bench will be wired to a separate 15A breaker.
I'm also dedicating a separate line for each of my Compressors & welders & planning for a 4 post lift in the future!
I'm thinking of running a few outlets across the Vaulted ceiling also and installing a reel in the middle, just in case I need power in the middle but not dragging on the floor for some reason...

 

[Leoruiz]

I'm wiring up my new garage now, spacing outlets every 5 feet around the perimeter, plus 3 double (4 outlets) along my 10' workbench top. Each wall is going to have it's own 15A breaker, and the bench will be wired to a separate 15A breaker.
I'm also dedicating a separate line for each of my Compressors & welders & planning for a 4 post lift in the future!
I'm thinking of running a few outlets across the Vaulted ceiling also and installing a reel in the middle, just in case I need power in the middle but not dragging on the floor for some reason...

Definitely do some in the ceiling with a reel and run some airlines and install a reel up there too.
One more thing. In the back wall---or perhaps a rear corner get the plumber to put in a retractable reel for water. It's hell washing the floor with the hose coming through the front door and always in the way when you try to rinse.You could even mount it 5-6 feet up in the air beside your shop fan --which will need it's own 110 outlet. Dont forget the cables and outlets up high some where for TV and internet.
Is your beer fridge going to have an ice maker ? One more line for the plumber

 

[larry4406]

I put metal quad boxes every 6' at 48 inches above the floor (measure from ceiling down to eliminate slab slope) and used separate 20A circuits (i.e., all left duplex is one circuit and right duplex is other). I also put the GFIs in a quad box at a convenient location by the door so as to ensure that no machine or bench would impede access to reset. Also did the ceiling outlets.

 

[ddawg16]

I put metal quad boxes every 6' at 48 inches above the floor (measure from ceiling down to eliminate slab slope) and used separate 20A circuits (i.e., all left duplex is one circuit and right duplex is other). I also put the GFIs in a quad box at a convenient location by the door so as to ensure that no machine or bench would impede access to reset. Also did the ceiling outlets.

Pretty much how I did it....except I went about 52" above the floor.....you want to be able to lean a 4x8 sheet of something against the wall and not block the outlet.

Put on at the front of the garage on both sides....one outside.

I have a beam across the middle of my garage and I have 2 sets of outlets on it. They get as much use as the others.

Also have a dedicated outlet for the garage door opener......my only regret is I didn't do one at the front up high so I could install a screwjack opener.

 

[MushCreek]

Are 15A circuits code for a garage? I always go 20A, even in the house.

 

[jloehlein]

I did similar to others - quad boxes every 5 feet at 53" above the ground. I also have a couple ceiling-mounted cord reels and an air hose reel, which are super useful. Separate outlets above the garage doors, too for future jackshaft openers.

 

[cybrdyke]

Do yourself a huge favor and put at least one USB charging receptacle near your workbench. You'll need it to charge phones, tablets, cameras, etc.....
Good luck
CD

 

[Thumper68]

I have outlets every 4 feet at 50" several more at 18" plus ceiling both switched and not switched.

Beside the overhead door I have outlets at 54" and 18" on the inside and at 18" on the outside, I use these a lot vacuums, pressure washer, and tools.

When I was wiring I figured that now was the time to run wires the more the better, I also thought ahead and ran conduit under the floor to several locations, the post for my vise, table saw, jointer, and router table and for a future jib crane.

Even after that I still have run surface mount conduit for extra 240, radial arm saw and band saw.

In all I ran 2400 feet of 12-2 and 12-3 in the walls and ceiling.

 

[KiltLifter]

I put metal quad boxes every 6' at 48 inches above the floor (measure from ceiling down to eliminate slab slope) and used separate 20A circuits (i.e., all left duplex is one circuit and right duplex is other). I also put the GFIs in a quad box at a convenient location by the door so as to ensure that no machine or bench would impede access to reset. Also did the ceiling outlets.

I was about to ask if it was smart to have to different feeds in a single box, but duh, 12-3+G wire often creates that situation, so my question has changed:

If you did use 12-3G (or 10-3) wire for the above will that be too much for the neutral in a garage situation? I mostly see it with lighting loads which are often lighter (no pun intended, OK perhaps a little)

Either way, I am stealing this quad box setup for my garage addition. Brilliant!

 

[atomicjoe23]

Is this a detached garage?

If so u cant run multiple feeds to it.

It is a detached garage. . .I am running a separate service to it.

I'm wiring up my new garage now, spacing outlets every 5 feet around the perimeter, plus 3 double (4 outlets) along my 10' workbench top. Each wall is going to have it's own 15A breaker, and the bench will be wired to a separate 15A breaker.
I'm also dedicating a separate line for each of my Compressors & welders & planning for a 4 post lift in the future!
I'm thinking of running a few outlets across the Vaulted ceiling also and installing a reel in the middle, just in case I need power in the middle but not dragging on the floor for some reason...

Sounds pretty much what I am doing as well. . .I will be running 20A breakers though. . .

Definitely do some in the ceiling with a reel and run some airlines and install a reel up there too.

It's a 3 bay garage and right now I plan to have two electrical ceiling drops (one in each of the outer bays) with reels. . .

One more thing. In the back wall---or perhaps a rear corner get the plumber to put in a retractable reel for water. It's hell washing the floor with the hose coming through the front door and always in the way when you try to rinse.

Good idea on the hose. . .I've already got water run back by the corner of the garage for the butcher shop that is on the other side of the back wall of the garage (we have a small farm raising pigs and rabbits for meat in addition to laying hens and dairy goats).

put the GFIs in a quad box at a convenient location by the door so as to ensure that no machine or bench would impede access to reset. Also did the ceiling outlets.

That's where I currently have my GFCI outlet as well. . .I didn't really think about it. . .it was just the first in a run. . .good point about making sure it isn't blocked.

I went about 52" above the floor.....you want to be able to lean a 4x8 sheet of something against the wall and not block the outlet.

Good point. . .thanks for pointing that out!!!

Do yourself a huge favor and put at least one USB charging receptacle near your workbench. You'll need it to charge phones, tablets, cameras, etc.....
Good luck
CD

Another good idea!!!

Thanks for all the great feedback you guys!!!

 

[DC73]

I mixed it up a bit. I put outlets every 4 feet where the work benches will go but in the main shop I went every 12 feet and then added one outlet beside the overhead door for running extension cords out into the driveway when needed.

If you spread your outlets fairly far apart but are worried you might need one in the middle later on, just leave some extra wire in the wall cavity near the middle of two outlets and you can easily cut one in later.

DC

 

[sberry]

Garages are similar to houses and there is no point in running circuits behind cabinets. I have 20 ft spacing and 20 in one space. My shop is larger and it changes the demands slightly but the demands in a common garage are minor, usually less than in a kitchen, about the same at most.
I wired after the fact, I overshot some and not as bad in my shop as storage building where I had it all in hand and the men, we could have simplified some.
I wired my shop as I moved in, my branchs are relatively short and simple due the fact I have several panels but this doesn't always apply in smaller buildings.
My friends and neighbors have garages and I worked in a few and a guy needs about 2 circuits for non dedicated equipment and one had a cord hangs down he plugs in most machines in one area and another more for convenience than true demand. I wouldn't bother with 2 circuits in a quad for generals, this is a waste of effort and adds just gobs of complications that remain idle for 99.9% of its life.
This disregards true special circumstances and dedicated equipment such as comp and welders and a light circuit but I don't this near every way it can. For generals it makes it easy to put in 3, one each side of the building with allowance for doors and reach right thru and use these for outdoors.
If you really need 2 reach to the next circuit and you likely need a cord anyway for 1. I could modify a couple in my paint boot where it would have saved using a cord 5 times in 20 yrs and even then it was more of a mental ************ issue than real power one.
Iasy to remember each wall has one and place the next wall on opposing legs for the neat freaks.
I would add an extra over bench type area for all the parasitic similar for wiring s I didn't have to interrupt it for4 additions or service. I understand the finished look but there should be some consideration for adding wiring in a garage or shop, a finished removable cover raceway or pipe would be my choice, even a hybrid system of sorts then you don't even need to worry about most of it, every time its needed add a wire or connection and for all that junk a couple power strips are great, cant buy the materials for the cost of a plug in device.

 

[larry4406]

I was about to ask if it was smart to have to different feeds in a single box, but duh, 12-3+G wire often creates that situation, so my question has changed:

If you did use 12-3G (or 10-3) wire for the above will that be too much for the neutral in a garage situation? I mostly see it with lighting loads which are often lighter (no pun intended, OK perhaps a little)

Either way, I am stealing this quad box setup for my garage addition. Brilliant!

I did not use 12/3. I ran two separate romex 12/2. I did not combine the neutrals at the outlets so they are truly separate. I have the breakers side by side in the panel and am thinking about tying the handles together to ensure that the boxes are fully dead should I ever have to work on one.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I was about to ask if it was smart to have to different feeds in a single box, but duh, 12-3+G wire often creates that situation, so my question has changed:

If you did use 12-3G (or 10-3) wire for the above will that be too much for the neutral in a garage situation? I mostly see it with lighting loads which are often lighter (no pun intended, OK perhaps a little)

Either way, I am stealing this quad box setup for my garage addition. Brilliant!

If u wire a circuit like that, with a shared neutral, its called a MWBC(multi-wire branch circuit).

As long as there is 240v potential between the hots, then u wont overload the neutral because the neutral carries the difference between the hot legs...

Breakers feeding MWBC are required to be handle tied....

 

[Falcon67]

For general use area, a duplex every 6' will be good. If its "all in one" with general work and machines, I'll say a quad every 6' at least and a quad next to every 240V dedicated machine. My mill runs off a 240V feed but the hang on stuff - lights, table drive, etc chew up most of a quad - made me mount a power strip on the machine. Same with the 12x36 lathe - there is a quad at the tail stock end.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Pretty much how I did it....except I went about 52" above the floor.....you want to be able to lean a 4x8 sheet of something against the wall and not block the outlet.

Quad boxes and 52" above the floor. EXCELLENT suggestions.

Plan on putting 2 quad boxes on the front of your work bench. You don't need a lot of dedicated circuits (breakers), but I would use 12/2 NM-B and a 20A breaker.

 

[ddawg16]

Don't forget, unless you are running a 'production' with more than person doing work, you're not going to be using more than one tool at a time.

Of course you need to take into consideration air compressors and shop vacs....and AC or heat if you need it.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

What are the dimensions of the garage?

 

[Falcon67]

Don't forget, unless you are running a 'production' with more than person doing work, you're not going to be using more than one tool at a time.

My experience is - this does not matter. 19.2V battery charger, small LED drop light charger, mini-fridge cord only reaches here - 3 of 4 gone. Welder, window AC, bench grinder - 3 of 4 gone - because I moved out the drill press, was 4 of 4. TV, Joey box, WiFi extender, band saw - 4 of 4 gone. Cord on plug lights, electric clock motor, radio, bench/floor/window fan, etc, etc, etc. There are a LOT of static items eating up a plug in a shop. You don't think about it, looks like a lot of plugs on those bare walls. Start moving stuff in and - where'd all my dang outlets go?

 

[sberry]

Outlets are different than circuits.

 

[atomicjoe23]

The garage is 24'D x 30'W. . .3 bay detached garage; I will be putting an expansion on one side specifically for my "dirty" woodworking tools and blacksmithing forge and I'm gonna close in the 3 bay carport that is right next to the garage as well. There is an ~4' walkway between the garage and carport and the carport is about 30'D x 36'W. . .I'm gonna put the 2-post lift and plasma table in the carport after I close it in. The air compressor is gonna go in a small closet in the back of the 4' walkway between the garage and carport and that is also where all the garden/farm/yard tools (shovels, rakes, pitchforks, wheelbarrow, buckets, etc.) are going to be stored.

I've already planned for the extra circuits in the woodworking/blacksmithing expansion and the carport. I will have 3 separate 110V outlet circuits in the garage plus a lighting circuit, then 4 220V circuits between the garage and the carport. The woodworking/blacksmithing expansion will get it's own 110V outlet circuit, as will the carport, and the butcher shop behind the garage along with one spare 110V circuit left over in the small breaker box I currently have.

I've drawn the garage portion to scale and have already figured out the placement of cabinets, workbenches, drafting table, engine/****** workbench, parts washerwelding table, lathe, mill, inspection granite, air compressor, and the motorcycle and quad workstations. I think I've got the electrical outlet locations as well as the air drops worked out as well. . .I'm gonna start laying out the other 3 workspaces the rest of this week then I will see about posting them up after I'm done with that.

Thanks for the help!

 

[PhantomEB]

My 24 squared is planned to have every other stud at 48" apart And on each side of the big door. Small built in work bench at about 48" wide is gonna probably get the same as well one underneath for the beer fridge. One corner where the furnace and stereo will be above the compressor will have one up high dedicated for those as well another up high for the screw jack door opener. One on the ceiling in the upper centre between the two bays if I ever want a reel there. Air lines will be pretty much the same just under, besides the door and one line ran up to a possible reel. 220s will flank the header wall as my compressor has an outlet plug if I need to run a welder off that corner.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

The garage is 24'D x 30'W. . .3 bay detached garage; I will be putting an expansion on one side specifically for my "dirty" woodworking tools and blacksmithing forge and I'm gonna close in the 3 bay carport that is right next to the garage as well. There is an ~4' walkway between the garage and carport and the carport is about 30'D x 36'W. . .I'm gonna put the 2-post lift and plasma table in the carport after I close it in. The air compressor is gonna go in a small closet in the back of the 4' walkway between the garage and carport and that is also where all the garden/farm/yard tools (shovels, rakes, pitchforks, wheelbarrow, buckets, etc.) are going to be stored.

I've already planned for the extra circuits in the woodworking/blacksmithing expansion and the carport. I will have 3 separate 110V outlet circuits in the garage plus a lighting circuit, then 4 220V circuits between the garage and the carport. The woodworking/blacksmithing expansion will get it's own 110V outlet circuit, as will the carport, and the butcher shop behind the garage along with one spare 110V circuit left over in the small breaker box I currently have.

I've drawn the garage portion to scale and have already figured out the placement of cabinets, workbenches, drafting table, engine/****** workbench, parts washerwelding table, lathe, mill, inspection granite, air compressor, and the motorcycle and quad workstations. I think I've got the electrical outlet locations as well as the air drops worked out as well. . .I'm gonna start laying out the other 3 workspaces the rest of this week then I will see about posting them up after I'm done with that.

Thanks for the help!

I try and space things out evenly as possible, Across the 30' wall Id probably put 4 2gang boxes in.
So I would divide your 30' by 5 that would land 4 boxes across the back with
6' spacing,depending on framing of course.
Do the same on your side walls and just add 1 to the number of boxes you want and divide the length of the wall by that number,also works good for centering light fixtures.

 

[atomicjoe23]

That's pretty much how I've got it planned right now ZMaxMotorsports. . .I've got quad's planned for the heavy use areas (mill, lathe, welding station, parts washer, and by the two outer roll-up doors.

 

[lgm118icbm]

I did quad boxes above the belt line and they work great. My only regret was not putting boxes very close to the garage doors. Last box is ~6' away and sometimes I pull a car up to vacuum or check something and it would be nice to have a plug right there.


Tearing out the walls


Roughed in


Paint, rubber mat on the walls and storage added above.


My girls all tucked in!

 

[My Old Tools]

20 amp duplex on both sides of the garage door, 30 amp 220 welder plug on one side. 20 amp duplex every 5 feet because EMT is 10 feet long. 3 20 amp circuits alternating between the duplexes so no adjacent boxes are on the same circuit. 30 amp 220 every 10 feet just because. All the overhead lights are on duplex 15 amp plugs so the ceiling has a bunch of plugs that are open. They are 4' LED from Costco and pull very little.