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Install Garage Electrical Wiring

garage-electrical-wiring Summary: Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects*.


Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician:
It is a very nice site with allot of useful information. Steve from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring



Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire

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Important Factor when Wiring a Garage:
Find out if the Main Service or the Panel that will supply the circuits to the garage have adequate Load Capacity and space for the circuit breakers.

How big will your garage be? (Square Feet)

This will be used to help you lay out the garage with electrical outlets for work benches and any stand alone equipment that will be needed.

Garage Electrical Code Requirements

One outlet on a separate 20 amp circuit must be provided and be within 6 feet of the intended location of a washing machine appliance.

A GFCI is required for all 120 volt receptacles installed within 6 feet of sinks for the home electrical wiring for garages. Receptacles installed for a dedicated purpose, such as clothes washer may have a receptacle which is not protected by GFCI.

All exterior building mounted lighting is to be florescent, or photo-controlled with motion sensor.

Wire Types and Capacities

Cables and common wire types

Devices and Junction Boxes

Select the right box for your application

Garage Electrical Wiring Garage Wiring

Garage Blueprint and Wiring Design Layout


garage-electrical-wiring

Garage Electrical Circuit Wiring

When installing electrical wiring in a garage a list should be made of all the proposed electrical devices and equipment that will be used. This list should include lighting fixtures and light switch locations, general purpose outlets and receptacles that will be located so that access will not be blocked by obstacles such as garage shelving and work benches, storage units and other equipment.
clothes dryer clothes washer water heater vacuum system door opener ceiling fixture
Clothes Dryer Clothes Washer Water Heater Vacuum System Door Opener Light Fixtures


Garage Electrical Circuits for Larger Equipment

When making the list of electrical devices be sure to include equipment that may require a dedicated circuit. Larger electrical equipment located in the garage should be fully identified and researched to discover the voltage and amperage requirements. careful electrical circuit planning will help avoid possible circuit overloaded conditions after the garage has been occupied and fully functional. Adding additional electrical circuit after the garage walls have been closed up can be very costly, however adding the electrical wiring while in the construction phase is much less expensive. A good rule of thumb is if there is the possibility of adding something later on, at least install a chase conduit to the location, or a dedicated cable as a spare that will be ready to use.

Garage Electrical Code Requirements

Garage Electrical Circuits Planning
120 volt devices
Lighting
Electrical GFCI Outlets for Hand Tools
Bench Mounted Equipment
Refrigerator or Freezer
Vacuum System
Clothes Dryer
240 volt equipment
Clothes Dryer
Air Compressor
Welder
120/240 Volt Sub-Panel Circuit Requirements
4-Wire System consisting of:
2-Insulated Power Conductors (Black & Red)
1-Insulated Neutral Conductor (White)
1-Ground Conductor (Bare or Green)
Sub-Panel Considerations
Correct amperage for all loads and future requirements such as Converting your Garage to a Room.

garage wiring garage outlet
Lighting Fixture Wall Plugs

Garage Electrical Wiring

Allowable Electrical Wiring Methods
NOTE:
The photos on this page show how the electrical wiring was installed prior to inspection. After the inspection took place the walls were insulated and sheet rock was installed. If the walls were to be left open then Romex type wiring would not be allowed to be installed because the wiring would be exposed making it vulnerable to damage. When the walls will remain open, approved conduits may be used to protect the electrical wiring. Electrical Conduit such as flex and EMT could be installed along with metal junction boxes.

Questions about Garage Electrical Wiring



Question from JD, a Homeowner in Northern California:
Should I use GFCI Ground Fault or ARC Fault Breakers in my Garage?

Next spring we will be remodeling and expanding an attached garage in a residential house. It will be a retirement hobby cave. All the plugs will be full 20 AMP with #10 wire. I have used Buchanan electrical crimpers with sleeves and caps in the past. I like them more than twist on wire nuts.

My problem is that I have a whole shop full, at my place in the city, not my future retirement place to be remodeled, of 1930’s and 1940’s shop equipment that I fully restored. If any of this equipment is on a Ground Fault or ARC Fault circuit, the old motors will pop the circuit off every time.

I know that the old code allowed for “straight” plugs for years in garages because people screamed about their old refrigerator or freezers tripping these circuits, I even read that in the background reference material for the old code development.

But since most of that old stuff has been replaced in the last 25 years the NEC code people added the garages to the ground-arc fault way of doing things.

The problem is for folks like me. So, do I have to play the game and replace everything after the work is done? Should I use GFCI Ground Fault or ARC Fault breakers then just swap them out?

I will be darned if I will change every electric motor on my restored equipment.

Any suggestions?

Dave’s Answer:
GFCI Ground Fault Protection for Garage Circuits

JD, I hear where your coming from, however I would give the newer ARC Fault and GFCI outlets and circuit breakers a try. I too remember when these new devices came out there were a lot of nuisance tripping that was occurring, but there have been several improvements that have made these devices much more reliable. While working in a garage with a grounded concrete floor it is essential to have GFCI protection, especially when using older non insulated metal frame motors and equipment. If your older motors continue to trip a GFCI then I would encourage you to perform some continuity tests on the motors and replace any worn out cloth wiring, or cracked insulated wires with new wire. I also have a collection of older electrical equipment that I will hang onto for at least a display board of old-time electrical history.

Screw-on Wire Connectors vs the old style Buchanan Crimp and Sleeve Connections
After working several years in the electrical field, and working with thousands of questions about the subject, it is a fact that expansion and contraction of metal electrical circuit components will contribute to a loose connection, which will lead to an electrical connection failure, and damaged equipment. So as much as the crimp type connector has been a popular product I am in favor of using a screw on type wire connector for the smaller amperage circuit connections, especially the types with an internal spring which will flex with temperature fluctuation. Having said this, I do use crimp products for larger wire with the Approved Crimp Tool which ensures a tight crimp and good connection. We see the crimp type of wire connectors widely used in the industry, however the only way these connections can be made reliable is when using a Quad-Indent Crimp Tool and Dielectric Grease as required for the application.

Be safe and enjoy your new garage project!



Question from Jim, a Handyman from Ohio:
How to Install a Fluorescent Light in a Garage?

My son has a detached one car garage and the only light he has in the garage is from the door opener. I have three 4 foot florescent light fixtures I would like to install, but do not know exactly how to go about it. There is at least one outlet in the garage.

Dave’s Answer:
Typically, the outlet circuit may be used for the power source where the wiring could be extended to a switch, and then to the light fixtures.




Can I Replace a 15amp for a 20amp Breaker?

When I have the lights on and use anything it pops the breaker. Can I change the 15amp to a 20amp breaker?


How to Wire a New Garage Project

Wiring a New Garage and Planning the Circuits : This contains all the basic electrical circuit requirements for the proposed garage…


How To Restore Lost Power In A Garage

How to Fix Lost Power Problem in the Garage. Electrical Question: I shorted out a receptacle in the garage and now the electricity does not work, how can I fix this?


Installing Electrical Power to a Garage

How should I Wire a GFCI Circuit Breaker for my garage electric panel? Garage Electrical Wiring, How to Wire a GFCI Circuit Breaker.


How to Install Wiring for Garage Lighting

How Can Add a Light Fixture to the Existing Light? Electrical Wiring for Additional Light Fixtures.


How to Wire a Fluorescent Light Fixture in a Garage

How to Install Wiring for a Light Fixture: When installing fluorescent lighting for a garage that will be finished with sheet rock a NM Cable or Romex may be installed to the location where the light fixture will be installed after the sheet rock is finished and painted


Electrical Code for Garage GFI Outlets and Receptacles

How to Plan and Install Electrical Wiring for Garage Outlets and Lighting Circuits: Electrical Codes about GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in garages.




Electrician and Detached Garage Project

Cable Size for a Garage Sub-Panel

Question from Ko:
Electrician and Detached Garage Project.
I have a remodel on a detached garage (with living area above), the underground conduit is 3/4 in. PVC. It has a run of 53', with 4 inch radius bend (90 deg) at both ends. What is the largest set of cables known to pull through 3/4 inch PVC to feed a sub-panel (hot/hot/neutral/ground)? I'm estimating #6 for both legs and neutral and #8 for ground.

Dave's reply
Ko, it sounds like you may be limited to #6's and #8's Copper THW/THWN. The PVC size and number of bends could be a problem. Use lots of wire lubricant. The lesson here is to always up-size your PVC conduit. PVC is inexpensive so plan ahead while the trench is open! For more information about conduit fill: https://ask-the-electrician.com/wire-in-conduit.html


Locating the Problem in an Electrical Circuit

Ed asks:
I added a few lights, switches, and outlets in my garage. There were two power sources. One was from an existing three-panel switch that ran all over. Everything worked A-Okay with that.
But I blew it with the other line. It was originally feeding only two outlets: one on the ceiling next to the garage door opener (that plugged into it), and the other outlet was a breaker (GFI?) on the back wall. My plan was to tap into this line for three lights and three outlets (the original two plus one more). But when I was ready to test it one switch was not yet installed but the wires were in place wrapped together (and stripped). So it shorted out. After I separated the wires, I reset the breaker with no power. I turned off the main power and went into the panel and switched the black wire from the line to a breaker I knew was working and still nothing. Is it possible the wires were damaged?
Thanks for any advice you can give.
Ed in De Land Florida

Dave's reply:
Ed, it is very possible that when you restore power to the circuit that there is electricity up to a point where a connection has blown apart, so be very careful. This is where a Tick type Voltage Tester comes in handy so you are able to see where the voltage is and where it stops, which will most likely give a clear indication of the location of the problem.


Power for a Garage Electrical Panel

Michael, from Polson, Montana asks:
I have a Cutler Hammer main electrical panel. I want to add another 100A breaker for my garage panel. There doesn't seem to be a space in the panel to plug in another breaker. Am I going to have to replace the panel, or am I missing something?


Dave's reply:
Michael, Depending on the exact Cutlet Hammer panel that you have, it may be possible to swap out a few full size circuit breakers and replace them with tandem circuit breakers which would free up the required space for the 100 amp circuit breaker for the garage panel.


Static From Electronic Light Fixture Ballast

Jody asks:
I installed a new electronic ballast in fluorescent fixture. My radio now has static on it. How can I stop it?

Dave's reply:
Hi Jody, yes some of these light fixtures do produce line noise, especially the economy Shop Light Fixtures. First, make sure the fixture is grounded. Then get yourself a plug strip that has built in line nose suppression and conditioning which should eliminate the line noise. Keep in mind that the noise may be transmitting right into the antenna signal as well. If this is the case, you may need to upgrade the fixture to a better brand.
More about Conditioned Plug Strips

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here is How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.


  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.





Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.





RELATED



I have a question about a fridge in a garage

Eric asks: I have a question about a fridge in a garage. I had always been told that a fridge should never be plugged into a GFI. However, I have not read that if a fridge is going to be used in a garage, it must be plugged into a GFI. What is the real answer about how to use a fridge in a garage?

Dave’s Reply:
In a case such as this it is acceptable to install a single outlet, not a duplex outlet. This way there is only one outlet that will be for the fridge only.

 



Installing Fluorescent Lighting in a Garage
Bob asks:
I am installing fluorescent lighting in my garage. My question is, can I mount a 4 tube 48inch shop type fixture with electronic ballast and T8 tubes directly to the surface of the ceiling drywall? Would heat be a problem? Thanks for your help.
Bob

Dave’s Reply:
There should not be a problem mounting the fixture directly to the drywall.
Suggestion:
You may want to consider installing an LED light fixture which produces less heat, great light, and saves on your energy bill.


More about Garage electrical

How To Wire a Thermostat
How do I know which wires to connect to my new Thermostat Terminals? Typical Thermostat Wiring for HVAC Furnace Heating and Air Conditioning, Thermostat Wire Connections.

How to wire a range for 3-wire and 4-wire cords
I wired my 3 wire 40amp electric range and the electric burners turn on, but the control panel does not work. Wire and 4-Wire Cord Connections for an Electric Range or Freestanding Stove, Connecting the Ground Wire, and Installing a New Circuit for an Electric Range.

Electric Water Heater Wiring and Video
How to Connected the Wires to a Water Heater | Common Wiring Methods for wiring an Electric Water Heater, Basic Water Heater Circuit Requirements, Connect the Water Heater Wiring.

Installing a GFCI Outlet Without a Ground Wire Video
How Can I Install a GFCI outlet on a 2wire circuit that does not have a ground wire? How to Install a GFCI Outlet Where There is No Ground Wire.

Electrical Code for Garage GFI Outlets and Receptacles
How to Plan and Install Electrical Wiring for Garage Outlets and Lighting Circuits: Electrical Codes about GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in garages.

Timer Control for Outdoor Christmas Lights
How can outdoor holiday lights be wired on a grounded timer into a GFCI receptacle? How to Put Outdoor Christmas Lights on a Timer Switch.

How to Install an Electrical Sub Panel
Thinking about installing a Sub Panel? Here is what must be considered first, and you may find that you really do not need a sub panel at all.

Causes Of Electrical Shock in Homes
What causes a shock when touching a light switch or water facet, how can this be fixed? How Incorrect Electrical Wiring Can Produce Electric Shocks.

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