"patrick conroy" wrote in message
...
I think it's been a few months since anybody asked the (inflammatory)
Electrical Code question, so here goes:

I'm thinking about added some circuits to the garage. (Yeah, I'll have a
competent contractor do it, but I'd like to learn alittle bit about code,
anyhow).

I'm thinking I'd like two 20A 240V's and two 20A 120V circuits added.

The garage is finished - drywall and insulated - so I'd run them outside
the
walls.

1. Outside the walls means the wire has to be protected right? As in BX or
conduit, right?

A lot of places inspectros do not like BX. I am not fond of it either.
Stcik to EMT IMO.

2. Is GFCI a usual requirement for garage outlets? (Cause it's a wet area,
right)?

Not necessarily because its a wet area, but there are rules about outlets
being GFCI protected when they are close to an exterior door.

3. If yes to GFCI, the 240V runs too?
4. If yes to GFCI, then why is the existing outlet in my garage GFCI, but
the two in there feeding the door openers not GFCI? Because they're 10'
up?

GFCI is for protection of people - its unlikely you will plug a hand tool
into an outlet dedicated to the door opener.

5. Speaking of up - is there a minimum height off the floor for outlets?
The builder put a nasty dryer vent run through the garage and I'd prefer
the
outlets below that. Guessing they'll be 6-8" off the floor.


I prefer them higher rather than lower.

I don't want the expense of a subpanel *in* the garage. There's already a
100A one in the basement adjacent to the garage, so my thought was to use
that.


Might end up being simpler put a subpanel out there anyway. otherwise you
end up running a whole bunch of cables instead of one. Plus you can add on
easier later on.

Any other NEC things to think about when putting in new runs in a finished
garage?
Thank you!