Quote:
Originally Posted by chrismorse
The number of outlets is not a significant factor. The convenience of having an outlet where you want it is. The critical factor is the wattage used, at one time.
If you have 12-2 wire going to the box, you can up the breaker to 20 amps from 15. The wire size dictates the breaker size, to prevent overheating the wire.
Canyou dodge around, over, under the box to avoid going through it??? I;m not sure i followed your planned installation correctly.
Surface 1/2 emt, conduit is fine for a garage,
Rather than pulling 12-2 romex, i would recommend running #12 THHN, stranded wire, which is a lot easier to pull.
I would recommend using an industrial grade receptacle because the construction is more durable, particularly in areas of high use. The household 15 or 20 amp units are built for price not serious use. If you move to a 20 amp breaker, upgrade the GFCI to 20 amp rating.
While you are "in there :-), consider lighting, possible running 4 foot LED fluorescents, for better lighting and lower wattage use.
Since the panel is right there, can you use a "piggyback" breaker to add another circuit for any future high wattage uses, like a compressor,welder, or lift?? That way, you could pul all the wire at one time.
I like electrical :-) just spent my sunday doing the wiring in my step son's first home.
good luck, You can do this,
chris
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I’ll look at the breaker and wires at the GFI again to verify size. It’s been awhile.
I would say 99% of the wires to the panel go up. Below the panel would be hollow and I can drill a hole on both sides, run the conduit through the pop out and below the panel, vs around it, etc. Keep it simple.
I’m not savvy enough to add a circuit to the panel. 😳
This is phase one. No plans for anything bigger than my existing pancake compressor and 120 mig welder.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dad911
Depending on when your house was built(the code has changed over the years), that garage GFI may legally feed other outside outlets, basement or bathroom GFI receptacles, or even the garage door opener receptacles.
If it is the only thing on that circuit, I see no reason why you couldn't extend the box, and add additional receptacles fed through conduit. If it is fed with 14 gauge wire (15 amp breaker) you should probably use the same.
However, if you have space for more breakers in the panel, why not leave the existing outlet alone and add another circuit?
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Good question on what the GFI feeds, if anything. I know the breaker is labeled garage GFI.
These are the surface mount boxes I was going to use with solid 12/2 wire. I’m thinking the 14/2 wire was not much less. By not pulling long distances, I thought the solid wire would be better. The outlets I bought only have screw connections, so I don’t know how stranded wire would work.
