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electrical help needed

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77crewcab

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I am looking to add some plugs to the garage. I am looking at probably 4-8 110 plugs and 1 220 plug. The breaker box is in the garage and I was thinking of just putting 4 110 and the 220 on the wall below the breaker box. The other 110 plugs will be on the same wall further down. I have never done anything more than replace a plug and change light fixture/ceiling fans so what do I need to know for this project?
 
Well you should shut the power off before beginning. Aside from that, you have to figure out where the plugs are going to be and how many you want on each breaker, They may all be fine on 1 breaker (probably not up to code) but you might trip it if you run your drop light and a grinder. I probably would section them off into something logical like a breaker for each wall....2 or 3 plugs per breaker.

Next thing, 220 is noting more than 2 110V legs + 1 ground. 220 outlets are allmost always on separate breakers for each outlet. Not sure why...about all of Europe is 220V like we are 110V. In any case I would try to follow that protocol.

I'd probaly look at the panel, figure out whats there, what I want, and draw it out on paper from there. Definitely sounds like you got a days work cut out for you.
 
Hey crewcab...normally 10 opening are aloud for 15 amp circuits an 12 openings for a 20 amp. For a shop I would put maybe 8 dual duplex plugs on 1 circuit an only install 20 amp circuits. You'll be better off for it, alot of power tools run upward of 13 amps or more. plus keep in mind you might up grade your lighting some time. Mike is right about the 220v it's just 2 110v put on a 2 pole breaker. please keep in mind wire size, 20 amp must be on #12, an 30 amps on #10, an 15 amps on #14. Bad part is wire prices are jumping every day! People are stealing wire out of light poles out here. I'm a electrian an have done everything from homes, commerical an industrail jobs an still can't type. Ask if you have any questions or Home Depot has a good book with lots of pictures that I've used on home projects.
 
Well I think I am just going to look at having an electrician come do a bid. It seems I may be in over my head on this project, plus I want to make sure it is up to code with permits etc for insurance coverage.
 
77crewcab said:
Well I think I am just going to look at having an electrician come do a bid. It seems I may be in over my head on this project, plus I want to make sure it is up to code with permits etc for insurance coverage.
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I am a commercial/industrial electrician and I think that is a smart way to go. What you want is pretty easy but if you don't know what you are doing you can create a fire hazard and insurance companies love to find a reason not to pay. I also agree with the permit. It protects you and the electrician. Maybe you can help the guy and you can do it yourself next time.

Get 3-4 estimates, you'll be surprised how different the prices can be.
 
Not a bad idea, but I can tell you that if you take your time, and you are only doing simple stuff, its not bad at all. I checked locally at the supply house regarding code. They were very nice and answered all of my stupid questions.
 
Maybe a licensed electrician on CK5 can, or will, cut you a deal:D It's not that hard but can be disasterous if you screw it up.:eek1:
 
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