Wiring receptacles

[Mdaddyrabbit]

What is the rule of thumb for receptacles? How far apart? How many circuits? I want to do this myself without having to pay for a high dollar permit. Its just a metal building not a home.

30x48 metal building

 

[rburke65]

What is the price for a "high dollar permit" in North Carolina?

 

[nadogail]

More than you think you want to know will be found in any basic book on house wiring at your local big box home center.

House wiring is not a hobby.

After you have looked at the pictures and read some of the text, your questions can be more specific.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

DIY still requires permits in most jurisdictions...

 

[acer66]

At least in Buncombe County you can pull your own permits and do the work yourself with the exception of energizing the main panel after you passed a test.

The test is a one time shot I am preparing myself for that test but I tend to overthink things.

Buddy of mine passed the test with knowing almost nothing about electric in Brevard but the test might vary depending in what county you are in.

Regarding the amount of receptacles, as many as you can afford.

Put them up higher so you can lean sheet good against the wall and still have access to the receptacle.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I clearly stated I am not wiring a house. This is a basic shop.

More than you think you want to know will be found in any basic book on house wiring at your local big box home center.

House wiring is not a hobby.

After you have looked at the pictures and read some of the text, your questions can be more specific.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I know that, at this point in my life I pay the government enough money without paying for another permit. I am aware of all the regulations and rules for inspections. The building will be wired correctly but without buying a permit.

DIY still requires permits in most jurisdictions...

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I know that, at this point in my life I pay the government enough money without paying for another permit. I am aware of all the regulations and rules for inspections. The building will be wired correctly but without buying a permit.

U may have problems if u ever sell the place...

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

Just sold my other house with the building I wired without permit and had no problems. I am not worried about a permit at this point. I am 48 years old and more than willing to accept all the responsibility that goes with not purchasing a permit. I just wanted to know the rule of thumb for receptacle distance and amount per circuit.

U may have problems if u ever sell the place...

 

[pattenp]

For a work shop there is no rule of thumb. However I would put no more than 10 outlets on a circuit and place them about 6ft apart. I would also alternate outlets on separate circuits if possible.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

Thank you for your input.

For a work shop there is no rule of thumb. However I would put no more than 10 outlets on a circuit and place them about 6ft apart. I would also alternate outlets on separate circuits if possible.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Residential does not have a limit of receptacles per circuit.

As far as distance its easier to show with a pic so i will have to dig one up.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

Thank you!

Residential does not have a limit of receptacles per circuit.

As far as distance its easier to show with a pic so i will have to dig one up.

 

[mrVanagon]

The city in which I live has a list of requirements over and above the NEC. One of those extra requirements is that a circuit can have no more than 8 receptacles. They also treat a detached garage as a residence for code purposes (unless it is used for commercial stuff).

 

[nadogail]

I clearly stated I am not wiring a house. This is a basic shop.

To the best of my knowledge, there are precious few DIY books about how to wire a hobby shop.

In an effort to answer your vague question about how a shop should be wired I directed you to what should be an easily understood guide for amateur wanting to do electrical work with results that should not be dangerous to himself of others.

The task of wiring a hobby shop starts with an analysis of just what you intend to do in the shop and what equipment you will have to do it with.

Hobby Shop wiring will use the same supplies, tools and techniques as house wiring. If you can't recognize how home and hobby shop electrical installations are very similar, I respectfully suggest you find someone who can.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

With all due respect, you don't know me and I don't know you but I am not a dummy like you think. I know how to wire receptacles and light switches along with wiring a main breaker box. I just wanted to know if there is a maximun number of sockets that can be on one circuit. Very few people who answered this thread answered the question without first telling me I need to get a permit. I know a permit is required but if I don't get one it will be at my expense if things don't work out. Many people skip forums because of this type of scoldings.

To the best of my knowledge, there are precious few DIY books about how to wire a hobby shop.

In an effort to answer your vague question about how a shop should be wired I directed you to what should be an easily understood guide for amateur wanting to do electrical work with results that should not be dangerous to himself of others.

The task of wiring a hobby shop starts with an analysis of just what you intend to do in the shop and what equipment you will have to do it with.

Hobby Shop wiring will use the same supplies, tools and techniques as house wiring. If you can't recognize how home and hobby shop electrical installations are very similar, I respectfully suggest you find someone who can.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

At this point I really could careless how they treat a buildings in my area. I think the government is up my **** too much already.

​

The city in which I live has a list of requirements over and above the NEC. One of those extra requirements is that a circuit can have no more than 8 receptacles. They also treat a detached garage as a residence for code purposes (unless it is used for commercial stuff).

 

[alfredeneuman]

At this point I really could careless how they treat a buildings in my area. I think the government is up my **** too much already.

​

On your profile you state that you're a Network Specialist for a local government. You draw a paycheck from the government, and you think it's up your **** too much to pay for a <$100 permit to do the work??

 

[crab]

Ca. and N.C. are 2 different worlds . Things are done differently . I don't have a dog in this, just sayin .

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

You have to agree just because I work in local government does not mean I agree with everything government does. I bet you don't agree with everything at your work place! What is out of your pocket if I do not want to purchase a permit. You must agree also that my question was not should I buy a permit. Some folks skip the question and become the inspector........

On your profile you state that you're a Network Specialist for a local government. You draw a paycheck from the government, and you think it's up your **** too much to pay for a <$100 permit to do the work??

 

[Speedy Petey]

You need a receptacle in an outbuilding with power. Beyond that I wire based on the intended usage.

If codes don't concern you then do whatever you want.

I am not a fan of your anarchist type of personality so I will just leave it at that.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

If you don't like my anarchist type of personality then don't answer my thread.

You need a receptacle in an outbuilding with power. Beyond that I wire based on the intended usage.

If codes don't concern you then do whatever you want.

I am not a fan of your anarchist type of personality so I will just leave it at that.

 

[Speedy Petey]

If you don't like my anarchist type of personality then don't answer my thread.

[/B]

It's not YOUR thread. Anyone who wants can answer.
Like you alluded to earlier, if you don't like replies that don't agree with you then maybe don't post to forums.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The funny part about all is you havent listed what equipment you will be using or what the hell u will be doing in there.

AC, heat, air compressor, wood working tools, water heater, welder, etc etc

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I posted the thread and the posts. So it would not have been here if I had not posted it! I really could careless if you like what I post! You ain't nothing to worry about anyway! LOL

It's not YOUR thread. Anyone who wants can answer.
Like you alluded to earlier, if you don't like replies that don't agree with you then maybe don't post to forums.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

He folks I am sorry if I seem to be a **** hole its not my intention. I get wound up sometimes and when I feel like someone is talking down to me I get angry. Thanks for all your suggestions.

 

[JimRB]

When I built my house I bought the Annotated NEC handbook. http://www.browntechnical.org/products/national-electrical-code-2014.html

I do not have an up to date book so there is no point in me opening my 20 year old book. We did not have arc fault as a requirement and I am sure there are other changes.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

Thanks for the info and link. I didn't know they made a book.

When I built my house I bought the Annotated NEC handbook. http://www.browntechnical.org/products/national-electrical-code-2014.html

I do not have an up to date book so there is no point in me opening my 20 year old book. We did not have arc fault as a requirement and I am sure there are other changes.

 

[nadogail]

Lets start over; how big is the shop you intend to wire?

Other than lights, and a radio, what equipment do you plan to have in your shop?

Required light levels, part of the answer depends on the age of the workers in your shop, at 77 I need a lot more light than 30 years ago when I was only 47. The tasks to be done, carburetor rebuilding needs more light than tire patching.

For general workshops, I personally would guess 3 to 5 Amps per receptacle. That works out to 4 to 6 receptacles per 20 amp breaker with 12 gauge wire. Receptacles should be spaced so there is no more than 6' of wall space from wherever you are to the nearest receptacle. That means they could be 12' apart if there are no doorways or obstructions between them, but that will seldom be the case.

Receptacle spacing will ultimately depend on the floor plan of your shop. Sometimes in a large shop I have receptacles hanging on pendants from the ceiling.

Any receptacle, with very few exceptions, in a wet area needs to be protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Like any other trade, electrical work is not learned in a six week class. In six weeks I can teach you enough to be ready to work; but not enough to run a job.

 

[Hangar Pilot]

Hey Rabbit. I'm wiring my shop as we speak. I know I tend to be on the over kill side. But as I see it it's just a few more feet of wire and a few more circuit breakers. I'm putting two or three outlets per circuit. That way most every other outlet is on a different circuit.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I have a 30x48x12 all metal building. I will have one 120v 30amp for my small wire welder. Electric hand tools such as skill saw, bench drill etc... I bought 10-8ft fluorescent lights with 4-T8 bulbs per light. I may need more since I don't see as well as I use to. I would love to put a central unit A/C in it later on when I have the money. I am going to come off my main box from my residence which is 75 feet away on a 100 amp breaker to the building that I will have a 125 amp breaker box and another 100 amp breaker for my main throw. Most of the time I will be running a window A/C that is 120v 6 amp draw in summer and maybe a electric hand tools at the same time. I will be the only one using the building.

Lets start over; how big is the shop you intend to wire?

Other than lights, and a radio, what equipment do you plan to have in your shop?

Required light levels, part of the answer depends on the age of the workers in your shop, at 77 I need a lot more light than 30 years ago when I was only 47. The tasks to be done, carburetor rebuilding needs more light than tire patching.

For general workshops, I personally would guess 3 to 5 Amps per receptacle. That works out to 4 to 6 receptacles per 20 amp breaker with 12 gauge wire. Receptacles should be spaced so there is no more than 6' of wall space from wherever you are to the nearest receptacle. That means they could be 12' apart if there are no doorways or obstructions between them, but that will seldom be the case.

Receptacle spacing will ultimately depend on the floor plan of your shop. Sometimes in a large shop I have receptacles hanging on pendants from the ceiling.

Any receptacle, with very few exceptions, in a wet area needs to be protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Like any other trade, electrical work is not learned in a six week class. In six weeks I can teach you enough to be ready to work; but not enough to run a job.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I bought a 125amp breaker box with 12 circuits. I don't know if that will be enough so I have not opened it yet so if I need to go back and upgrade it.

Hey Rabbit. I'm wiring my shop as we speak. I know I tend to be on the over kill side. But as I see it it's just a few more feet of wire and a few more circuit breakers. I'm putting two or three outlets per circuit. That way most every other outlet is on a different circuit.

 

[nadogail]

I bought a 125amp breaker box with 12 circuits. I don't know if that will be enough so I have not opened it yet so if I need to go back and upgrade it.

That panel with it's 12 slots with a 100 Amp feed sounds like a decent choice for your workshop.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

How many of those 8ft lights per circuit?

That panel with it's 12 slots with a 100 Amp feed sounds like a decent choice for your workshop.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If u will have more than 6 breaker handles u will need a main breaker panel instead of a main lug panel

 

[mikhett]

MR RABBIT,Im putting 10 receptacles in my 32x32 garage they will be on a 20 amp breaker.

 

[Mdaddyrabbit]

I could most likely do 20 receptacles on 3 circuits and be just fine. Then one 30amp circuit for my 120v wire welder then a 220v circuit for future use. 2 circuits for 10 lights.

MR RABBIT,Im putting 10 receptacles in my 32x32 garage they will be on a 20 amp breaker.

 

[rburke65]

There won't be much difference between a 12 circuit panel and a 20. Get the 20. Good luck rabbit. Don't get scared away.

 

[alfredeneuman]

How many of those 8ft lights per circuit?

Mdaddyrabbit> "2 circuits for 10 lights"

One circuit is more than enough....... the light fixtures draw about an amp each.

 

[Jason280]

I can tell you that you can never have too many. I just finished a 24x32' build, and ended up with over 40 total receptacles. My other shop is a 20x30', and I kept running into issues with plugs not being in the right place...that won't be a problem in my new shop.

If I were you, I would go ahead and wire in at least 1-2 50a 240v plugs, in case you ever get a larger piece of equipment (welder, plasma torch, etc). As far as the number of receptacles on a circuit, I over did mine. I ran no more than 5x plugs on a single 20a circuit, but could have easily gotten by with more.