How many outlets on a circuit?

737Pilot · 09-04-2008, 04:46 PM

If you were building a detached garage, how many outlets would you put per 20 amp circuit? I know this is a generic question, but I am curious.

jerryh3 · 09-04-2008, 04:55 PM

Consider the uses you think you'll need. If you have a compressor, welder, saws, or drills that will be used at the same time, you'll obviously want to put those on seperate circuits. I would put at least two seperate general use circuits alternating outlets around the garage. (Similar to the kitchen small applicance circuit requirement)

I just read the question again. Put an outlet wherever you think you'll need to plug someting in.

DangerMouse · 09-04-2008, 05:40 PM

as many as you like, but 8 seems to be the norm.

DM

737Pilot · 09-04-2008, 05:43 PM

I put a lot of outlets, just for convenience. I have 6 outlets per circuit. Total of 3 circuits. The welder and compressor have their own dedicated circuit each.

DangerMouse · 09-04-2008, 05:53 PM

good idea that

DM

joed · 09-04-2008, 07:15 PM

If you are in Canada the limit is 12.

chris75 · 09-04-2008, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joed

If you are in Canada the limit is 12.

Why even put a limit when the problem is probably just one device?

darren · 09-04-2008, 11:07 PM

Chris that is a very good question. I would never put 12 plugs on a circuit. This rule only applies to plugs that you don't know what the load is going to be. If you know the load, like potlights that are .5A each you are alowed to load up to 80% of the breaker. So for my potlights I would be alowed 24 potlights on a 15A circuit.

To the OP. If your title is correct to what you do lets get together and do a swap. I will teach you what ever you want to know about electrical if you teach me how to fly a 737.

737Pilot · 09-05-2008, 08:56 PM

Yes I do fly 737's for a major airline. I would love to learn all about electricity. I find it fascinating. And I probably would make close to what I make now since the airline life and pay has went down the tube since 9/11. Most people are shocked at how much pilots really get paid these days. I love to learn, whereas most airline pilots think they already know everything and are very busy telling you so!! As my very first flight instructor told me when I was 17, "there's a lot more to life than flying!"

Thanks for the replies guys.