Table of Contents
How do I wire my garage?
What is code for wiring a garage?
The code requires that you hold all wires at least 1-1/4 in. (Photo 1) from the back and front surface of studs and joists. With 2×4 framing, that means you have to hold two cables running side by side tight to each other.
Can you run Romex exposed in garage?
The short answer to the question is – no, you should never expose your Romex wiring in your garage. You should always cover Romex wiring in your property.
Do I need GFCI in garage?
GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.
What size wire do I need to run power to my garage?
What type of cable should I use to cable my garage? As a general guideline, use 12 AWG copper conductors and 20 amp breakers and 14 AWG copper conductors, and 15 amp breakers. Since the outlets are located in the garage, they should have GFCI protection.
How many outlets can be on a 20 amp circuit in a garage?
The answer to the question how many outlets on a 20 amp circuit is ten outlets. Always comply with the 80% circuit and breaker load rule, allowing a maximum load of 1.5 amps per receptacle. Remember that your circuit, wire sizes, and outlets must be compatible to avoid overheating and electrical hazards.
Can you run lights and outlets on the same circuit?
Yes, you can. The average home uses an indoor distribution board that houses the breakers of the majority of circuits in the home. A circuit controlled by a 15A circuit breaker (which a lot of contractors use for general lighting) can also accommodate outlets.
How many outlets can be on a 15 amp breaker?
Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.
Does a sub panel in a detached garage need a main breaker?
Does the sub panel require a main disconnect? Thanks for your help. NO it does not. A detached building fed from another building would require a disconnecting means nearest the entrance of the feeder conductors into the building.
Does a detached garage need a ground rod?
Yes, you need a grounding electrode (ground rod) local to the detached building.
How much power does a detached garage need?
As for basic lighting or low-load electronic devices, a 50- or 60-amp subpanel in a detached garage may suffice. You’ll likely have to increase the ampacity further if you intend to run heavy machinery or power tools in your garage.
Do you need conduit for Romex in garage?
Code and common sense both dictate that Romex shouldn’t be left exposed but must run through conduits. If you are running it through the basement or attic (or both), the wire must past through studs or be secured on top of joists or trusses.
Is MC cable better than Romex?
Safety: Compared to Romex, MC cable is safer to install due to its metallic sheath. This sheath helps protect against accidental shearing and penetration, reducing the risk for accidental wire exposure. Romex sheathing is easily penetrated or sheared, making it less safe unless run through protective conduit.
How far apart should outlets be in a garage?
How far apart should electric receptacle outlets be placed in a garage? There is no requirement for spacing of receptacles. But minimum of one 120-volt 20-amp dedicated circuit is required for a garage, and one receptacle per parking bay, according to National Electrical Code [NEC 211.10(C)(4)].
Where should I put GFCI in garage?
The actual verbiage from the NEC states that GFCI outlets be installed in: “Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.”Mar 20, 2018.
Where is GFCI located in garage?
The GFI switch is located on an outlet in the center; they can be in your garage, your laundry room and even your main bathroom. Once they locate the GFI switch, a simple press of the reset button and, once again, Voila!Mar 13, 2015.
Do I need weather resistant GFCI in garage?
Weather Resistant GFCI Required by 2008 National Electrical Code for use in damp or wet areas including: Patios, decks, porches, pool areas, garages, yards, and other outdoor damp locations. When installing a weather resistant GFCI in a damp location remember that you must also use a weather resistant cover.
What size breaker do I need for a detached garage?
For most garages, you will want to use a 50 amp breaker with 8/3 wire between the two buildings to handle the load. Install a sub-panel with its own main breaker so that the power can be shut off inside the garage for servicing the breakers in the panel.
What size wire do I need to run 150 feet?
150 Foot Run – A 120-volt circuit on a 20 amp breaker will require 6/2 AWG wire for 150 feet.
What size wire do I need for a detached garage?
If you’re putting in a sub-panel in your garage, you should use the appropriate wire for the breaker size of the sub-panel, which could be 30 amp, 40 amp or 50 amp typically. Typically 30 amp can be 10 gauge, 40 amp can use 8 gauge and 50 amp can use 6 gauge.
