How many receptacle outlets do I need for my garage?
Required Outdoor Receptacle Locations Protection may be provided by a GFCI receptacle or a GFCI breaker. One receptacle is required at the front and rear of the house and at a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches above grade (ground level). How many outlets can be on a 20 amp circuit in a garage?
How many outlets in a 20 x 20 garage?
It is easy to say one every 6′ on each wall in the garage. That means a 20 x 20 garage would be looking at a minimum of three outlets with that figure. But what kind of outlets and at what height? That requires a deeper look.
What is the best height for outlets in a garage?
What height should outlets be in a garage? This is entirely dependent on what you need to plugin. Most garages are going to have some standard, floor level outlets places at 12-16″ above floor level but you will definitely want to consider adding some workbench level outlets if you are going to have a workshop of any kind in your garage.
Why do I need More outlets in my garage?
One of the most significant barriers in revamping or settling into your garage is the electricity. Whether you’re looking to use your garage to charge your new electric car, or you’re looking to upgrade it into the ultimate workshop or hang-out space, you will almost always find yourself wishing you had more outlets.
How many outlets should you put in a garage?
The basic rule for garage receptacles is that one receptacle outlet needs to be installed in each vehicle bay and not more than 5 ½ feet above the floor.
Where should outlets be placed in a garage?
Standard outlets are spaced apart, a foot or so above the floor. If you plan on adding workbenches along the walls, you'll also want outlets at the same above-the-counter height as in a kitchen. This way, you won't have to drop a cord behind the bench top.
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.
How high do electrical outlets need to be in a garage?
18"Garage electrical outlet location: In the garage, electrical outlets should be 18" or more above floor level.
Do outlets in a garage 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.
How many GFCI outlets do I need in my garage?
Yes, all garage outlets must be GFCI-protected-no exceptions. Since 2008, GFCI outlets have been required for “all 125-volt, single-phase, 15 and 20-amp outlets” in the garage. In fact, both the NEC (National Electric Code) and the IRC (International Residential Code) require this.
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 outlets can be on a 15 amp circuit in a garage?
So, how many outlets exactly can you have on a 15-amp circuit? You can install a maximum of 8 electrical outlets on a single 15-amp circuit.
Can I run 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp breaker?
In most home installations, several 15-amp receptacles connect to a 20-amp circuit breaker. This allows multiple devices to connect to a single 20-amp circuit as long as the total circuit load does not exceed 20 amps. If the load exceeds 20 amps for a long duration, the circuit breaker will open the circuit.
How far apart can outlets be?
The maximum spacing between receptacles, according to the National Electric Code (NEC), has been set at 12-feet since 1956--with no point along a wall being more than 6-feet from a receptacle. The logic behind that number is that an appliance with a standard length cord could then be plugged-in anywhere along the wall.
What is the maximum distance between electrical outlets?
12 feetSometimes this requirement is known as the “6-foot rule.” (See Figure 1.) Since the maximum distance to a receptacle is 6 feet (1.8 meters), the maximum distance between two receptacles is doubled. Therefore, the maximum distance between receptacles is 12 feet (3.6 meters).
Should a garage door opener be on its own circuit?
No, a garage door opener is not required to be on a separate, dedicated circuit. But, the ceiling receptacle outlet that it's plugged into must be GFCI-protected.
How many outlets are needed in a garage?
For a garage that is just for parking, a minimum of one GFI duplex outlet on each side wall. If you have a workbench or a spare refrigerator in the garage or a car charger, etc. more outlets, and more circuits, will be required.
Where to put battery charger in garage?
A battery charger should be able to be put on either car at the rear of the garage without needing an extension cord.
What Height Should Garage Outlets Be?
Most people position their wall outlets between 12 and 18 inches above the finished floor in most rooms. But, there is no specific height requirement for garage outlets. Technically speaking, the garage is just another room. As such, you can apply this trend to your garage without suffering any significant consequences.
What is The NEC Code For Garage Outlet Height?
The National Electric Code doesn’t have anything to say about the height of electrical outlets in a garage or any other room in a home. For that reason, you are technically free to place your garage outlets at any height that suits you.
Where Should Outlets Be Placed In the Garage?
The NEC doesn’t specify a particular location where the garage wall outlet should be mounted. Many people endeavor to place one receptacle on each sidewall.
Types of Outlets That Should Be Used In A Garage
The type of work you want to do in your garage will determine the types of outlets you will install. For instance:
How Many Outlets Are Required In A Garage?
The NEC expects homeowners to install a minimum of one wall outlet in a given garage. But you can install more than one if the need arises. At the end of the day, your situation will inform the number of outlets you have. For instance, you have to place a refrigerator on a dedicated circuit.
Garage Outlet Spacing Code
According to US National Electrical Code, section 210.52 of the NEC expects homeowners to install a wall outlet every six feet in every habitable room. You can apply this code to a garage if you have any intention of using it as a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, pantry, and laundry room.
How Far Apart Should Outlets Be Spaced?
In a habitable room, every point along the wall should be no more than six feet from an outlet. The regulation doesn’t apply to garages. However, you can adapt it for your garage all the same because it makes sense. It ensures that you have an outlet within reach of any appliance you want to use.
How often should I put outlets in my garage?
Garage outlets should be placed in convenient locations with at least one every 6′ on each wall. Take into consideration any plans for a future workbench ahead of time. It is much easier to add outlets during construction than after the walls are all closed up. It is easy to say one every 6′ on each wall in the garage.
How high should a garage outlet be?
Most garages are going to have some standard, floor level outlets places at 12-16″ above floor level but you will definitely want to consider adding some workbench level outlets if you are going to have a workshop of any kind in your garage.
Can you put a washer and dryer in a garage?
People used to just store their cars in garages and that was about it. For some houses, it makes a great place to put the water heater or washer and dryer too. When you are in a position to add outlets to your garage, it pays to think ahead and try to anticipate any future needs.
Can you wire two outlets at once?
You aren’t likely to be in two places at once so one idea is to wire your receptacles so they alternate between circuits. You could also wire upper and lower portions of each two gang outlet separately. That way if you have two things plugged in at the station you are working on, you aren’t as likely to blow a breaker.
Do you need a breaker for 220V?
For things that draw more amperage, like your air compressor, consider the benefits of having them on their own circuit. Obviously, anything pulling 220 V is going to need its own breaker as well.
Should I put can lights in my garage?
If you are planning a workbench, strategically placing can lights may be a good idea. If your laundry is in the garage, make sure the area is well lit as well. It is definitely well worth the effort to plan now for whatever you may want in the future.
Do garage doors have a light?
Most standard garages have a garage door opener with a light . At least in my garage, there was a dedicated outlet in the ceiling just for that opener. When you are working on your electrical wish list for your garage don’t forget to include the ceiling.
How often should I put outlets in my garage?
Garage outlets should be placed in convenient locations with at least one every 6′ on each wall. Take into consideration any plans for a future workbench ahead of time. It is much easier to add outlets during construction than after the walls are all closed up. It is easy to say one every 6′ on each wall in the garage.
How far apart should an electrical outlet be?
The National Electrical Code specifies that you must have an electrical outlet (receptacle) within 6 feet of the corner of any wall and no more than 12 feet separating receptacles on the same wall (6/12 outlet rule). That of course is the minimum requirement for living space .
Why do ignition sources have to be elevated above 18"?
Ignition sources have to be elevated above 18" in garages. That's basically because of the potential for combustible heavy vapor buildup. Click to see full answer.
How high is a GFCI breaker?
One receptacle is required at the front and rear of the house and at a maximum height of 6 feet 6 inches above grade (ground level).
Ideal Number of Electrical Outlets per Room
Before diving deeper into our topic of the day, we should clear out what a wall space is:
How Many Electrical Outlets Per Room Is Too Many?
When considering electrical rewiring, one element of electrical outlet planning installation is commonly thought about too late. The number of receptacles you can install in a room depends highly on the type of breaker they are connecting to.
Final Thoughts
As someone who has recently finished a major home renovation process, I can sympathize with those of you who are just starting one.
