Electrical Circuits for Garage Remodel Wiring
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Warning About Splicing Electrical Cables and Circuit Sizes: I am working on a re-model project in my garage where I will enclose and insulate a room from the rest of the garage. © By: Dave Rongey |
Warning About Splicing Electrical Cables and Circuit Sizes
How is a remodel project in a garage wired where a separate room will be added?
Paul, a Homeowner in Arizona asks:
- I am working on a remodel project in my garage where I will enclose and insulate a room from the rest of the garage.
- I have a question about codes for splicing cables. Is this a really bad idea? I’m thinking of running a 10/2 NM cable to an electrical box, and then splicing 3, 20amp (12/2) cables from it for the little room which will pull some big electricity (music equipment).
- I think I know the answer: it would potentially pull 60amps through a 30amp cable.
- If so, does this mean if I want 20amp receptacles, I must use separate #12 cables?
I hope this question makes sense, and I really appreciate your time. Thanks a bunch!
Michael in South Carolina asks:
- My garage has three switches to turn on several lights simultaneously. I just recently made a room in part of the garage and want to use one of the existing lights that are in the new room, but have it isolated on its own switch. There will also be a ceiling fan in there as well.
- I tried running new wire from a new switch to the light but all the lights still come on and trips the breaker when the new switch is turned off.
- There are two pairs of what looks like 14-2 at the existing light fixture. I gave 12-3 running from the new switch to the light. Thank you for your help.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical questions.
Application: Install New Electrical Wiring in a Garage.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Switch, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Switch should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your location. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Adding a Room to a Garage
- Please Note: If a room is added that will be occupied, and the area serves as a bedroom, then additional electrical codes will apply, such as adding a smoke detector, AFCI protected outlets, lighting, etc..
Paul’s Garage Wiring Project:
Splicing Electrical Cables for a Garage Wiring Project
- There is nothing wrong with splicing wires as long as the junction box is accessible and you are not mixing wire sizes.
- You may not splice a #10 wire with a #12. The circuit size must be determined up front, and for your garage outlets you may want a 20 amp circuit which a 12/2 NM Romex could be installed.
- I can tell by your questions that you really don’t understand electrical circuit design, and I’m suspecting that your project is being done without a permit.
- Both of these deficiencies spell trouble so I would advise you to slow down and make sure the remodel project is done correctly and according to code, otherwise you’re creating a fire hazard and we sure don’t want that.
Michael’s Basement Wiring Project:
- Consider installing a separate power source to the room in the garage that will be used for the lights and outlets.
Check out this information about Electrical Project Guidelines
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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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