> Date: Tue, 23 Jan 96 15:24:52 EST
> From: drabik@solaris.mirc.gatech.edu (Timothy J. Drabik)
> To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
> Subject: Electrical ducting
> Reply-to: drabik@solaris.mirc.gatech.edu (Timothy J. Drabik)
> Dear shop-talkers,
>
> I am trying to decide how to do electrical distribution around my shop.
> The super-deluxe approach would be wiring ducting with removable covers,
> which allow for arbitrary placement and relocation of outlets. This may
> be too expensive, and I'm also considering hard conduit interrupted with
> outlet boxes. An important question is: at what height do I run the conduit
> around my (3-sided) shop area? Up near the ceiling would guarantee that it
> not get in the way of anything, but would also make plugging things in
> awkward. Right now I'm looking at a ceiling-level main conduit run, with
> tees dropping to boxes at normal level on the wall.
>
> Has anyone any observations derived from hindsight?
>
> Tim
My two cents:
I receommend putting in a sub panel. They are fairly inexpensive
(under $50 for a 100 amp 20 position box plus $3-6 per breaker). With conduit
(3/4 or 1") run around your shop you can then easily add additional
power points (in case you ever get the urge to buy a new toy - oops, make
that tool) just by rewiring or pulling extra wire through the
conduit. I'd run it at table height or higher; if you have wall
cabinets then just under them. A few outlets placed near the ceiling
with cord reels would also be useful.
Make sure to label everything well.
Enjoy.
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