Any special NEC codes for garage ceiling receptacles?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 88
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Any special NEC codes for garage ceiling receptacles?
Aside from the general NECs, are there any special electric codes that apply to installing a ceiling receptacle inside a garage (for a garage door opener)? The wiring for my application will run through the attic.
Also, are there any special types of ceiling boxes/ faceplates I should be using or can I use the standard items you would normally use for receptacles inside the home?
Also, are there any special types of ceiling boxes/ faceplates I should be using or can I use the standard items you would normally use for receptacles inside the home?
#2
Standard boxes a devices are fine. If the ceiling is sheetrocked I suggest using a remodel box. If you are on the 2008 code the receptacle is required to be GFCI protected.
Last edited by Tolyn Ironhand; 01-04-10 at 12:28 PM.
#3
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,215
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
*Very* important that the outlet be on a GFCI circuit or be a GFCI outlet!
There have been small children electrocuted by touching metal garage doors operated by malfunctioning garage door openers.
There have been small children electrocuted by touching metal garage doors operated by malfunctioning garage door openers.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 88
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Any pictures online that I could view to see what type of box I'm looking for? Google didn't return much.
I find educating myself on electrical box types to be impossible. I usually wander through the electrical aisle and eye-ball all the different types to find one that looks good.
Yes, definitely. My whole house is practically GFCI protected. It's probably overkill but worth it in my eyes.
I find educating myself on electrical box types to be impossible. I usually wander through the electrical aisle and eye-ball all the different types to find one that looks good.
Yes, definitely. My whole house is practically GFCI protected. It's probably overkill but worth it in my eyes.
Last edited by Tolyn Ironhand; 01-04-10 at 12:29 PM. Reason: fixed my typo ;)
#5
The old-work (a.k.a. remodel) box has adjustable fins that protrude from the sides. You cut a hole to a particular dimension in the drywall with a keyhole saw, insert the box so the outer tabs rest on the drywall, and tighten the screws to extend the fins. The box is then secured to the drywall without the need for nails.
The wiring for my application will run through the attic.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 88
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
The attic does have stairs, however from what I'm reading, the 2x4 joists aren't for storage so aside from maintenance/ improvement, no one will be traveling up there.
There are many preexisting wires in the attic, most are stapled to framing members but none have any type of protection. Is there anything simple I can do to protect them?
#7
Either run the wiring parallel along a framing member, or nail a running board perpendicular to the trusses to run the cable along. Something simple like a 1x3 or 2x4 would be sufficient protection.
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 88
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
And what about adding a receptacle in the attic, any special codes to follow there?
I'm putting a GFCI receptacle inside a square box and mounting it to the joist. The basic idea is to have an outlet in the attic and to protect the garage receptacles down-stream.
I'm going to put a metal cover over the receptacle too.
Anything else special that I need to do?
I'm putting a GFCI receptacle inside a square box and mounting it to the joist. The basic idea is to have an outlet in the attic and to protect the garage receptacles down-stream.
I'm going to put a metal cover over the receptacle too.
Anything else special that I need to do?
#9
If a metal box is used the box must also be bonded to the grounding conductor. There should be a tapped hole for a 10-32 screw in the back of the box.
The receptacle itself needs to be held to the cover with 2 screws. The older covers with a single screw for a duplex no longer meet the code.
If it were me i would not put the GFI in the attic. I would not want to go to the attic if it were to trip.
The receptacle itself needs to be held to the cover with 2 screws. The older covers with a single screw for a duplex no longer meet the code.
If it were me i would not put the GFI in the attic. I would not want to go to the attic if it were to trip.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 88
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
My main reason for AFI protection was the mouse problem that I’ve had in the past.
#11
Put a GFCI receptacle at each location and only wire the LINE terminals. This way the GFCI will only trip for a device plugged in directly at this receptacle, not downstream. You would only need to reset the attic GFCI if something in the attic tripped it.
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 88
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Obviously in a garage with power tools, I’d assume a higher percentage of false trips, but are we talking a daily occurrence?
Thank you for the help by the way.