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I am trying to add another 120 volt wall outlet in my garage since it did not come with enough wall outlets. I thought since the walls are drywalled and I did not want to go thru the hassle of running wiring thru the walls, I would just grab the 120v from one of the 3 way switches that operate my ceiling lights. How can I add the outlet to this circuit? I was successful in adding a wall outlet next to one of the two way switches because it has a constant 120v source already. The other two way switch does not have the same constant 120v hot going to it and must be wired to the other switch.
Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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Those types of circuits are more than likely 15 amp circuits. I wouldn't want anything less than a 20 amp circuit for anything in the garage because of some of the tools that might be used. Have you considered installing a small breaker box right in the garage? That way you could also get 220V outlets for welders, heavy duty air compressors, etc. And you could run all your 110 outlets off that breaker too. Just use conduit attached to the walls for everything. I have done this before and the conduit doesn't look bad when you are done....but best of all you can put your outlets exactly where you want them this way.
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Also, check with your local Building Dept about a permit. It's cheap insurance. If you do something w/out a permit and have a fire (or other claim), your insurance may not cover it if they discover it wasn't permitted and inspected.
Posts: 7198 | From: Near Portland, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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quote:Originally posted by SS_CarGuy: Those types of circuits are more than likely 15 amp circuits. I wouldn't want anything less than a 20 amp circuit for anything in the garage because of some of the tools that might be used. Have you considered installing a small breaker box right in the garage? That way you could also get 220V outlets for welders, heavy duty air compressors, etc. And you could run all your 110 outlets off that breaker too. Just use conduit attached to the walls for everything. I have done this before and the conduit doesn't look bad when you are done....but best of all you can put your outlets exactly where you want them this way.
I already have 220v for my air compressor that will eventually be moved to the pole barn. I wanted a sub panel installed the garage before I bought the house. The home owner/realtor was supposed to have the electrican call me before the garage was drywalled so I could tell him what I wanted. Well that never happened and the drywall guy came out and finish drywalled the complete garage. I guess I could get used to looking at electrical conduit on the walls but really did not want that. Mostly I use the 120v outlets in the main garage for the shop vacuum, leaf blower and maybe a battery charger. I really don't work out of the main garage.
Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by SS_CarGuy: Those types of circuits are more than likely 15 amp circuits. I wouldn't want anything less than a 20 amp circuit for anything in the garage because of some of the tools that might be used. Have you considered installing a small breaker box right in the garage? That way you could also get 220V outlets for welders, heavy duty air compressors, etc. And you could run all your 110 outlets off that breaker too. Just use conduit attached to the walls for everything. I have done this before and the conduit doesn't look bad when you are done....but best of all you can put your outlets exactly where you want them this way.
I already have 220v for my air compressor that will eventually be moved to the pole barn. I wanted a sub panel installed the garage before I bought the house. The home owner/realtor was supposed to have the electrican call me before the garage was drywalled so I could tell him what I wanted. Well that never happened and the drywall guy came out and finish drywalled the complete garage. I guess I could get used to looking at electrical conduit on the walls but really did not want that. Mostly I use the 120v outlets in the main garage for the shop vacuum, leaf blower and maybe a battery charger. I really don't work out of the main garage.
Depending if you have an attic or area above the garage the electrical contractor should be able to get up there and drill through the sill plates and run the wire down. If not they may have to cut a little into the drywall but thats an easy fix too. I added a few extra outlets in my garage and in my eaves of my current house for my christmas display. I also pulled a premit to cover my butt (it was like $25 bucks). It was funny the inspector came out pluged his tester in two outlets looked over everything and left in less then 5 minutes he gave me an approval. I learned all about electical you use something called a fish tape to run wires into an existing wall. They even have dual breakers so if you box is out of room you can add 2 circuits on one spot. You can also get cool remodel boxes so you don't have to hit a stud to put a box in. Hope that helps.
[ 13. July 2004, 05:21 PM: Message edited by: MM ]
-------------------- 2002 SS #5973 Posts: 1045 | From: Seattle, WA | Registered: Nov 2001
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quote:Originally posted by MM: Depending if you have an attic or area above the garage the electrical contractor should be able to get up there and drill through the sill plates and run the wire down. If not they may have to cut a little into the drywall but thats an easy fix too. I added a few extra outlets in my garage and in my eaves of my current house for my christmas display. I also pulled a premit to cover my butt (it was like $25 bucks). It was funny the inspector came out pluged his tester in two outlets looked over everything and left in less then 5 minutes he gave me an approval. I learned all about electical you use something called a fish tape to run wires into an existing wall. They even have dual breakers so if you box is out of room you can add 2 circuits on one spot. You can also get cool remodel boxes so you don't have to hit a stud to put a box in. Hope that helps.
Thanks! I have a 3/4" plywood floor above the garage that is about 6" above the ceiling drywall. I guess I can drill an access hole up there to run wire down the wall and add more outlets in the ceiling for lighting that will shine on my Camaro posters. I wonder if I should use pot lights?
Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: I did not want to go thru the hassle of running wiring thru the walls, I would just grab the 120v from one of the 3 way switches that operate my ceiling lights.
Greg, there is a good possibility that there is not a neutral at the three way switches. There will be white wires there but they could be used for controling the power that operates the light.
Send a PM to me and I'll be glad to help out.
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All SLP options except Auburn & G-Force D. Goetz Fabrications STB and bolt-on SFCs, SLP LT headers and cats, Gentex mirror, power antenna with control switch, engine plaque, Mobile 1 applique and oil filler cap Posts: 137 | From: Fergus, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 2003
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quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS: I did not want to go thru the hassle of running wiring thru the walls, I would just grab the 120v from one of the 3 way switches that operate my ceiling lights.
Greg, there is a good possibility that there is not a neutral at the three way switches. There will be white wires there but they could be used for controling the power that operates the light.
Send a PM to me and I'll be glad to help out.
I forgot that you were an electrican. If I have any questions, I will PM you. Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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Greg, after all yo've done for me I can't believe I missed this. It looks like you're getting good advice on it so there's not much I can add. If I lived a little closer than a few thousand miles I'd be right over to help you buddy.
As said above, there are about 6 ways to wire a 3-way switch configuration. almost all of them leave the one end without a nuetral. They'll have two travelers and a switsh leg or a line voltage (L1).
Is the panel near the garage? As also stated above, it's not a good idea to tap off of a 15 amp house circuit for garage duty unless you only plan on running a drop light or radio...
Good luck man. Posts: 545 | From: Gardnerville, NV. | Registered: Aug 2003
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quote:Originally posted by SSHEETS: Greg, after all yo've done for me I can't believe I missed this. It looks like you're getting good advice on it so there's not much I can add. If I lived a little closer than a few thousand miles I'd be right over to help you buddy.
As said above, there are about 6 ways to wire a 3-way switch configuration. almost all of them leave the one end without a nuetral. They'll have two travelers and a switsh leg or a line voltage (L1).
Is the panel near the garage? As also stated above, it's not a good idea to tap off of a 15 amp house circuit for garage duty unless you only plan on running a drop light or radio...
Good luck man.
Tim, the light switch is for the garage light and the switch is in the garage. I only wanted that outlet for light duty stuff like a tv, radio or a fan.
Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by 35TH ED/ed: If you need a fish tape let me know makes pullinf a lot easier.
Thanks Ed, I may take you up on that. I still have your yellow nylon rope I need to get back to you. Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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