Garage Wiring and Electrical Service Panel
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Home Electrical Panels for Garage Electrical Circuit Wiring: This project includes a garage that is attached to the existing house. |
Rules For Home Electrical Meter Panels
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have recently added on a 3 stall garage and need more power. The easiest way is to run a new panel with another meter.
- The garage is attached to my existing garage and house.
- The additional meter would be about 75 feet from my meter for the house.
- My question is can I have two electric meters for 1 house?
- Do I need to put up a firewall between house and garage or what?
- My local electrical utility Ottertail power guy says I cant have two meters, but a couple electricians say I can.
- I’m at a stand still and ground is gonna freeze soon.
Please help.
Thanks.
This electrical question came from: John, a Contractor from Tower City North Dakota, Cass county.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question John.
Home Electrical Panels for Garage Wiring
Preparations for Adding an Electric Sub Panel
- Application: Adding a Sub Panel to a Garage.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, Not Recommended for Homeowners.
- Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for installing the sub-panel.
- Estimated Time: Depends on the type and size of the panel and available access to the project area.
- Precaution: Any existing electrical wiring within the immediate area that may interfere with the installation of the sub panel should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged if necessary. Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
- Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring and a sub-panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Rules For Multiple Home Electrical Meter Panels
- Typically for a home residence you cannot have more than one electrical utility company meter.
- There are some exceptions, but this is strictly up to the electrical utility provider and the local building department.
- A approved rated fire wall or fire barrier is typically required between the garage and the home when the garage is attached to the home which extends up through the attic space.
- Check with your local electric utility company and building department for complete details for your specific location.
More about Electrical Panels and Wiring a Garages
- House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
- This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring
- Garage Electrical Wiring
- Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
For more information about Electrical Code
Electrical Code
Home Electrical Code
Electrical Code Directory covering electrical-services.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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. |
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I am told that I will need two ground rods for my garage.The garage was wired a long time ago and only has 3 #6 wires from the main panel. I want to bring it up to code. Do I need to pull a ground wire from the house main? Or can I just use the double ground rod? Also how far apart should the ground rods be. I know the code says 16 feet for separate grounds but these would be for one panel. Also can I run one continuous wire from one rod to the other and on to the panel?
Thanks.
P.S. I love your newsletter. It is the first e-mail I open.
Hi Jonathan,
If multiple ground rods will be installed then they should e 6 feet or more apart.
A continuous conductor may be installed as long as it is protected.
The size of the ground conductor is determined by the size of the main electrical service.
Please see the Electrical Codes for Grounding for more information.
I’m very glad you enjoy the newsletters, I will be sending another one very soon.
I hope this helps,
Dave