nightdesigns
Gone missing, back soon
Premium
join:2002-05-31
AZ
 ·Cox HSI
| Single Electrical Outlet in Garage
Okay, this one just doesn't make sense, but maybe there's a reason.
One of my outlets in my garage is a single outlet (1 plug, not 2). It is a 20 Amp outlet, but the only device plugged into it is a Sprinkler timer. It could be that the outlet was intended for a refrigerator or something, but the sprinkler timer is mounted next to it and the timer is connected to sprinkler wires coming from the wall.
Am I missing something here? I intend to swap this to a standard 2-plug outlet.
On a related rant, why in the world was this house built with only 4 outlets in the garage. 1 is occupied by the washer/dryer, another by the garage door opener (and is ceiling mounted), the third by the sprinkler timer which leaves 1 usable outlet remaining and naturally there's a bunch of things plugged into it.
--
[[Your signature here]] |
|
whizkid3
Premium,MVM
join:2002-02-21
Queens, NY
·Earthlink Cable Mo..
1 edit | Garage receptacles should all be GFCI, with the exception of those that are used for permanently mounted equipment (such as garage door openers), and are considered inaccessable. Typically, you will find single outlets for powering garage door openers. They are considered inaccessable (by some inspectors), because they are mounted on the ceiling.
Likely, the single 20A outlet, was installed on its own circuit for the use of a welder, compressor, etc. If it is indeed a 20A outlet, it will have an 'T'-shaped prong for the hot, to allow the use of equipment that requires a 20A dedicated circuit. (See the photo.) It must also have a 20A breaker, and minimum 12 gauge wire.
Should you wish to change it out for a duplex 15A or 20A receptacle that is perfectly acceptable, provided it is GFI protected.
Why only 4 outlets? Many single-car garages are constructed with only a single duplex receptacle and a lamp-holder for one bulb. Now is your chance to whip this garage into shape, and install outlets, lighting, etc., to make it into a fine workshop (if you have the room). |
|
Jon
Premium
join:2001-01-20
Lisle, IL | reply to nightdesigns
I have a single like that that I installed. It's on it's own circuit and I use it for my compressor. |
|
robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX | reply to nightdesigns
Design wise, I would suspect that the outlet was intended for a freezer. |
|
ilikeme
I live in a van down by the river.
Premium
join:2002-08-27
Houston, TX
clubs:  
·Comcast
| reply to nightdesigns
As others have said, it was probably intended for certain machinery or a refrigerator and/or freezer. The outlet can be switched out with a 2 plug outlet, just make sure that it is a 20 amp outlet.
At least your garage came with more outlets than my friends. His has one behind the washer and dryer and 2 on the ceiling for the garage door openers. There are no accessible outlets, he either has to plug stuff in behind the washer or have cords hanging from the ceiling. My garage has 8 outlets and the washing machine and dryer arent even in there. I guess it just depends on the builder of the house.
--
Fiber Optics is the future of high-speed internet access. Stop by the BBR Fiber Optic Forum
|
|
whizkid3
Premium,MVM
join:2002-02-21
Queens, NY
·Earthlink Cable Mo..
1 edit | said by ilikeme  :The outlet can be switched out with a 2 plug outlet, just make sure that it is a 20 amp outlet. Why? Its perfectly acceptable to have a duplex 15 or 20 Amp receptacle on a 20 Amp circuit. Note that the photo above, is that of a 20 Amp receptacle. Not many devices within houses have a 20 amp plug, if any.
There are basically only two (NEC) rules regarding the use of 15 and 20 amp receptacles on 15 and 20 amp circuits:
- you can not put a single 15 amp receptacle (as opposed to duplex 15 amp receptacle) on a 20 amp circuit (without other receptacles or devices).
- you can not put any 20 amp receptacles on 15 amp circuits.
Other than that, you can circuit away, provided you don't exceed the maximum number of receptacles allowed on a circuit. |
|
Anonymous_
Anonymous
Premium
join:2004-06-21
127.0.0.1
clubs:
4 edits | reply to nightdesigns
el cheapo builders maybe why you only have a few
there is 17 outlets in my Garage
(one 240)
1 for Washer
1 for drying
4 were sprinkler timer is
10 as the rest throw out the Garage
1 x 240 |
|
CKizer
Raptus Regaliter
Premium
join:2003-01-29
Tijeras, NM
| reply to nightdesigns
I had one of those for my boiler power. I swapped it out for a duplex 20A so I would have a place to plug in my water softener.
I re-used the single 20A when I replaced my range hood with a microwave oven.
--
Crunching for Help Defeat Cancer and FightAIDS@Home at the World Community Grid. |
|
