How do you wire lights and outlets in a garage?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So use a 20 amp circuit. For your outlets. And three receptacles on a gfi. And you can do this via. Either a breaker that's a gfi breaker. Or you can use a gfi outlet.

Does garage wiring need to be in conduit?

Many garages contain one or more walls made of concrete or already drywalled. Cable installed on these exposed surfaces has to be protected by conduit. We show EMT (electrical metallic tubing; Photo 7), but you can also use rigid PVC conduit.

Can you have exposed Romex in unfinished garage?

As electrical wirings are found everywhere homeowners often wonder – can Romex be exposed in the 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 on your property.

What size wire do I need to run to my garage?

The standard is a 20 amp circuit breaker and 12 gauge wire to provide power to the outlets. Install a sub panel in the detached garage; use the appropriate wire for the sub-panel breaker, usually 30, 40, or 50 amps. Typically, 30 amps can be size 10, 40 amps can use eight gauges, and 50 amps can use six.

Do garage outlets need to be GFCI?

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 wire do you use for garage outlets?

Garage outlets are often wired with #12 so that you’re able to use 20A breakers, which are more suitable for heavier power equipment. If you carry through with #14, you’ll be limited to a 15A breaker.

What is code for outlets in garage?

210.52(G)(1) Garages.



In each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in each vehicle bay and not more than 1.7 m (5 ½ ft) above the floor.

Is PVC conduit allowed in a garage?

Combining metal boxes and PVC conduit is fine, but unlike an all-metal system, PVC requires you to run a separate ground wire and bond it to each metal box or light fixture with either a screw or a special grounding clip.

Is it OK to use Romex in conduit?

No, you can not run your Romex wiring in conduits. What you’re looking at in the code book is referring to THHN and other wiring, that while insulated with a single coat is not insulated with a second covering and bound to 2 or 3 other wires.

Do I need a subpanel in my garage?

This depends on how much power you typically use when working in your garage. If you are running welders and compressors that require high voltage then you will need a 100-amp sub panel. If you are just doing small jobs then you will only need a 50- to 60-amp sub panel.

Do I need a ground rod for a detached garage?

Yes, you need a grounding electrode (ground rod) local to the detached building. Connecting to reinforcing steel in the slab would have provided a very good grounding electrode, but if it’s already poured, that ship has sailed.

What is code for outlets in garage?

210.52(G)(1) Garages.



In each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power, at least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in each vehicle bay and not more than 1.7 m (5 ½ ft) above the floor.

How many receptacles can be on a 20 amp circuit?

ten outlets

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.

How many outlets can be on a 15 amp circuit?

8 outlets

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.

Can I 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.

What is code for installing electrical outlets?

The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.

How many outlets can you put on 12 gauge wire?

Practically speaking, there are limits to the number of outlets. But, the practical and approved number of outlets connected to a 12 gauge wire with a 20-amps circuit breaker is ten outlets. The circuit breakers in your home’s electrical panel serve as safety mechanisms.

How far can you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?

After these distances, the circuit will go over the recommended 3% voltage drop. You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit. That number drops to 50 feet if you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit.

How many outlets can you daisy chain?

It’s advised to refrain from daisy-chaining more than two outlets to a single breaker. The chance of overloading the circuit hugely increases due to daisy-chaining. It can damage your appliances, as well as carry high chances of electrical accidents.

How many outlets and lights can be on one circuit?

By rule of thumb, you would stick with 8 to 10 outlets and or lights per breaker.

How many outlets can you put on a 14 2 wire?

If you are using standard two-receptacle outlets, you can wire four of them to a single 15-amp circuit using 14-gauge electrical wire. 14/2 wire on a 15-amp circuit can power 8 receptacles. Since most outlets have 2 receptacles, you can typically wire 4 outlets to a single 15-amp circuit using 14/2 wire.

Should I use 12 or 14 gauge wire?

12 gauge wire has less resistance but enough thickness that helps in conducting electricity safely. A 14 wire has more resistance than a 12 gauge wire. This makes the 12 gauge wire better for you.