Installing Electrical Outlets in a Garage Workshop

How many electric outlets can I have on the same circuit? Installing Circuit Wiring for Outlets in a Workshop Garage. © By: Dave Rongey

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Garage Workshop Electrical Wiring
Electrical Question: How many electric outlets can I have on the same circuit in my garage?

I am installing outlets in my garage workshop about eight feet apart, can I run them together on the same circuit?

• I am wiring a garage workshop and would like to put in several 220 volt outlets.
• I have all of my wiring checked by an electrician prior to use, but I tend to run the wires in place and have everything ready for the electrician to save time and money.
• If I am running 220 volt outlets in several (3) locations for a lathe, air compressor, etc, do each of these outlets require a separate 30 amp breaker?
• Ideally I would like to run two of the outlets off of the same breaker with the intention of never running two pieces of equipment at the same time.
• The outlets ran in a series would be about 8 feet apart, and would be 20′ and 28′ from the breaker box. Can I run them together?

This electrical wiring question came from Kevin, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Kevin.

How to Install Wiring for Workshop Garage Outlets

Application: Electrical Wiring for a Garage or a Workshop.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical project is best performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Residential Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the circuit power source, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important: Electrical circuit wiring and all component materials should be  appropriately rated for the equipment voltage and amperage.
Notice: Garage or workshop electrical wiring should be installed according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Planning Garage Workshop Electrical Circuit Wiring

With regard to this question, I fully understand the economical concern for wiring workshop circuits, however lets consider many of the scenarios that may be encountered in a workshop while using 220 volt equipment.

220 and 240 Volt Electrical Circuits and Equipment

• When One Circuit May be Shared for 220 Volt Equipment
• The equipment all have the same voltage and basic circuit amperage requirements.
• The receptacle outlet and cord configurations are identical.
• There is only one receptacle that will be plugged into or used.
• The circuit design for wire size and over current circuit breaker protection matches the equipment electrical specifications.

110 and 120 Volt Electrical Circuits and Equipment

• General purpose circuits may be installed for typical electric hand tools, however keep in mind the total number of other tools or equipment that may be plugged in as well.
• There is no limit to the number of outlets that can be installed on one circuit as long as the circuit wiring and breaker size is correct.
• If the equipment or tool requires more than 50% of the circuit rating then a dedicated circuit should be installed.

Summer and Winter Garage Workshop Environments

Planning for equipment to condition the workshop is a must, especially when space heaters or portable air conditioners or exhaust fans may be used.

Make your Garage Workshop Energy Efficient

• Consider the following energy saving ideas:
  • Insulate the walls and ceiling of the work area.
  • Install a solar exhaust fan to exhaust the heat out of the ceiling which will help keep the lower work area cooler.

Wiring a Garage Workshop with Expansion in Mind

• When installing the electrical circuit wiring, consider installing EMT or electrical conduit that is over sized, or large enough to install additional circuit if they are needed.
• Install junction boxes in locations where equipment may be installed in the future.
• Don’t forget about lighting. Additional light fixtures and switches are typically added after the work area is set up.

Important Electrical Tip:
Planning is the most important part of wiring a garage workshop to make sure the electrical power is adequate, and the circuit wiring will support all the electrical equipment and tools that will be needed.

See more about Electric Wiring for a Garage Workshop

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• The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
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• Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Workshop Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.