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Ultimate Garage Guidelines (#12) - Electrical Receptacles

 

When it comes to building your own "ultimate garage", its important to anticipate current and future electrical requirements. This starts by bringing in adequate power with a dedicated subpanel in the garage for effective distribution. A small garage can get by with 40-60 amps whereas a larger shop with extensive equipment will need 100-200a.

With regard to electrical outlets, your garage subpanel should have multiple breakers for the following circuits......

• 20a/120v lower outlets - for drop lights, battery chargers, small fans and most electrical devices with long cords. These outlet boxes should be located 12-24" above the floor and the receptacles GFCI protected (check with your local electrical contractor or inspector). I like to use GFCI breakers since any power reset is done at the subpanel...no need to chase down a GFCI that may have tripped somewhere in the shop.

• 20a/120v upper outlets - generally used for tools, test equipment and other electrical devices on the workbench countertop. These should be located 42-50" above the floor. I generally set the bottom of the outlet boxes at 42" (with a laser is quick and easy) to make it easier for the drywall crew, especially when they're laying 10-12' panels horizontally. Check with your local building office for GFCI requirements. Devices within a specified distance of a shop (or any) wet sink will require GFCI protection.

• 20a/120v standalone outlet - "dedicated circuit", upper, lower or both. I use a different color receptacle to easily identify these outlets. Shop vacs, small compressors, table saws/woodworking stations and other 8amp or higher loads should be powered through standalone circuits. Audio, video and sensitive test equipment should also be on dedicated circuits to minimize interference issues.

• 240v lower outlet - wired with 10 gauge to support either a 20a or 30a receptacle. Make sure to use the properly sized breaker in the subpanel. Welders often require 50a receptacles and should be planned for accordingly if you expect to use one in your workshop.

There are 3 other devices which require outlets in the garage. These loads can easily be handled by any of the general power circuits above. This includes...

• Wall clocks - use "clock hanger" outlets with recessed receptacles.

• Flat panel wall-mount televisions and monitors - I typically put these on dedicated circuits with isolated ground receptacles.

• Garage door electric openers - on the wall or ceiling depending upon the type of opener used.

 

Ultimate Workshop Receptacles - When it comes to choosing a 120v duplex receptacle for my garage projects, I'm a big fan of Pass & Seymour's Industrial Heavy Duty line. Their 5362A (CR6300 for the yellow corrosion resistant version) is essentially a 20a "hospital grade" straight blade device at half the price (with Ultimate Garage discounts).

I stock 4 of the common colors (white, grey, red and black) and can get any of the others within 7-10 days. These can be ordered through the Online Store with traditional side terminal connection or with the speedier rear Plug Tail connection (a Pass & Seymour exclusive).