Re-wiring a friend's garage...?
Question:I am rewiring a friend's garage, adding a new branch circuit for lighting and medium to light duty receptacles (120V 20 amp) and a new circuit dedicated for an air compressor (120V 20 amp). I am fairly proficient on matters electrical, but I am not up to speed on code requirements. I read somewhere that GFCI receptacles are required in garages now. Is it for all new receptacles in the new circuit or just the one at the beginning of the run? I plan on installing a GFCI for the compressor. I am just curious about the other circuit...
Answers:
John H is correct. Just follow the instructions for line and load on the GFCI. As for the compressor, if it is a dedicated circuit you can install a single receptacle (not a duplex) and that should suffice. If the garage is being inspected, you can call the electrical inspector in your area and ask him or her how they would like it wired. One of the first things it says in the national electric code book is that it is "Subject to the authority having jurisdiction"
Just at the beginning of the run, and only needed if the outlets are within 18 inches of the floor. This is for my local code, may be different for you.
It would be helpful to know where you are located as electrical codes differ from place to place. My advice is to use GFCI's if you think it is going to be an issue. I know where I live electrical inspectors get very picky when it comes to garages (ususally because it is one of the few places they can see wiring). When you buy them in 10 packs from the hardware store and the cost isn't that much more (probably a lot less than replacing your buddy's beer fridge or table saw).
One GFCI receptacle at the first box in the run will protect every other device on the circuit. Stickers are supplied with the GFCI Receptacle to place on the other devices to indicate they are protected. A GFCI may not be required on a dedicated outlet for the air compressor, but if the air compressor will run on a GFCI then no problem. Many tools with motors, leak some voltage onto the ground causing them to trip GFCIs. These are usually older, metal housed, well used tools, not new, plastic housed, powertools.
Beginning of the run. When the GFCI trips, all down stream receptacles are cut off. You will need one on each circuit.
If your friends garage is like my garage, getting to the receptacles to reset the GFCI will be a hassle. Consider GFCI circuit breakers in the electrical panel itself.
Unless you're on a very limited budget, you should as a matter of good practice install a GFI on the new circuit..particularly since this is in a garage.
Regarding your question on local codes..
all codes are local. If you ask a pro, he will tell you that you have to have a license, because he wants the business.
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