[CMC#5]

Now that things are starting to settle down here in our new home, we broke ground on the GarageMahal.

Any suggestions/tips from those that know much more than I ever will about electricity and other shop essentials? Keep it simple, essential and wonderland arent the same (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Specifically I'm looking for advice on # of circuits and size, as well as floor and wall paint/coating/covering options.

(IMG:http://www.camaromustangchallenge.com/images/Other/GarageDay1.jpg)

[AndyB]

I'm a license electrician in California so hope this helps:

I'd run 100amp 220v underground service out the garage which will give you more than enough power for pretty much anything. For that small of a garage a single 20amp circuit for your lighting circuit will be more than enough, wire it so ONLY the lights are on the breaker and not outlets. That way if the a breaker were to pop you wont be in the dark. . I recommended the 8ft flourscent fixtures, use as many as you see fit. I tend to go overkill of lighting and will pretty much install lights end to end all the way across the garage as you can never have enough task lighting. I'd wire each bank of lights on their own switch so you can turn on and off only the lights you want. Be sure to install 3/4 way switches if you have multiple entry points. You will need two-three 20amp circuits for general use outlets, be sure to GFCI the first outlet and wire the downstream ones into the load side of the GFCI or use a GFCI breaker. Outdoor lights are required outside of any entry point.

The amperage on your 220v circuits will be determined by the machine being used. They all have a plate on them indicating the maximum allowed breaker size. Be sure to use the properly sized wire for the breaker to be used.

Any wires that are not behind sheet rock or exposed to physical damage will need to be installed in EMT or flexible metallic conduit. Basically if you can touch a piece of wire without standing on a ladder it needs to be physically protected by EMT/Flex. Be sure not to drill into any overhead joists as well.

Schedule 80 PVC works great for under ground service, some states require rigid metallic conduit so be sure to check first. If you have a long run from the panel to the garage use 2" PVC as it will make pulling #2 wire a hell of a lot easier and don't forget the ground (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)