Light Switch Wiring For A Garage
|
How to Install Garage Wiring: Installing electrical wiring for a garage to provide power for receptacle outlets, lighting and switches. |
Garage Wiring Project
Electrical Question: I am completely rewiring my detached garage with its own dedicated 200A service from the power company. I have installed a network of 3/4″ EMT conduit in the ceiling to run a few different circuits. Rather than install hard wired fixtures, I have decided to use plug in fluorescent fixtures. So, the “lighting” circuit is actually just a series of switched outlets.Since I am using EMT and individual 12 AWG THWN-2 wires, is it necessary to change wiring colors in the loop and relabel with tape like you would with NM/Romex wiring? I would much rather stay consist with my wire colors and just have 2 black wires at the switch rather than a black and re-marked white. Also, I understand the wattage draw limitations on lighting circuits, but will the inspector have a problem with me just installing outlets since there is no specific wattage draw? I plan to switch 6 20A duplex receptacles on a dedicated 20A breaker with a 20A light switch (again, 12 AWG wire). The actual wattage draw on the circuit in practice will be fairly low; maybe 1000Watts.
This electrical question came from Randy, a Handyman from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Randy.
How to Install Garage Wiring for Light Fixtures and Switches
Application: Garage Wiring for 120 volt circuits.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits and Extension Cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the type of construction and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Installing electrical wiring for a garage to provide power for receptacle outlets, lighting and switches.
- At the switches you can use two black wires, no problem. The main thing is to identify which one is switched to avoid confusion.
- No, the inspector should not have a problem with outlets being used for the lighting, just make sure to keep the cords fairly short and neat.
- The 20 amp circuit will be fine for the 1000 watt lighting load.
More about Garage Electric Wiring
How to Wire a Switch
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.
Electrical Circuit Wiring
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.
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes
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.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
||||||||
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. |
||
| More articles about Garage Lights, Lighting and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Replacing a Light Switch | How to Install an Outdoor Ceiling Fan |
INSIDE MY GARAGE, IS IT REQUIRED TO HAVE A MOTION DETECTOR SWITCH FOR THE LIGHTS?
Hi Roger,
This would depend on your location and the locally adopted and enforced energy codes which are typically enforced when building a new home or remodeling an existing home. Typically the garage light is not required to be controlled by a motion detector or an occupancy sensor, however I have wired an equipment room area that was part of a garage where an occupancy sensor was required according to a California Energy Code.
Dave