Electricians - Electrical Install Question

[j12piprius]

You could run a wire from a 5 to 24 volt transformer that's inside, or use a solar arrangement.

Here are some 5 vac transformers on Ebay.

[Cobb]

How about use a 10 gauge extension cord til the holidays are over?

[redpoint5]

I'm adding a 240v outlet to my garage and also want to add a 120v interior and exterior outlet. I've got a few questions concerning code and will just throw out some ideas.

Referring back to this sketch


I'd like to install an outlet where the sketch shows "new interior outlet", and also install an exterior outlet just on the other side of the wall. Can I have 2 junction boxes back to back? I realize it will have to be GFCI since it goes outside. I'm thinking about having the exterior outlet be 240v to have an extra charging point in case I can't fit 2 cars inside the garage.

My electric service runs through a 200 amp main breaker.


I'd like to run a 40 or 50 amp 240v outlet from the ceiling of the center of the garage. I would run 6 or 8 awg wire for this. Although my Prius can easily charge at full speed on a 15 amp circuit, I'd like to future proof the outlet in case I sell the Acura and get an EV.

Am I allowed to run romex through the same hole in the breaker panel as the ground wire? I notice that all of the existing wires run in double strands through holes in the top of the panel, but the ground wire is by itself.

[ksa8907]

@redpoint5

I would bet that is against code and if not, I still wouldn't do it. Better option is to drill another hole in the side of the panel if need be.

[redpoint5]

I bought 6-4 wire and a 50 amp breaker today along with the NEMA 14-50r receptacle. No idea who I loaned my fish tape to, so the project is on a short hold.

I was afraid I wouldn't be able to use the hole in the breaker panel that the ground wire runs through, so I'll have to drill another hole in the ceiling joist which appears to be a 2x6. The problem is, the roof slopes down and nearly meets with the ceiling joist, so I can't get a drill on top of the board. I'm thinking about going through the joist at a 45 degree angle to put another hole in it. My other option is to cut a section of drywall out above the breaker panel near the ceiling so I can access the wall space and drill upwards to make a new hole through the joist.

Any other ideas?

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I bought 6-4 wire and a 50 amp breaker today along with the NEMA 14-50r receptacle. No idea who I loaned my fish tape to, so the project is on a short hold.

I was afraid I wouldn't be able to use the hole in the breaker panel that the ground wire runs through, so I'll have to drill another hole in the ceiling joist which appears to be a 2x6. The problem is, the roof slopes down and nearly meets with the ceiling joist, so I can't get a drill on top of the board. I'm thinking about going through the joist at a 45 degree angle to put another hole in it. My other option is to cut a section of drywall out above the breaker panel near the ceiling so I can access the wall space and drill upwards to make a new hole through the joist.

Any other ideas?

I feel lucky that i don't have enclosed walls in my garage.

[Fat Charlie]

Cut the drywall. It's the easiest thing to cut and you can replace it afterwards.

[hamsterpower]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

Cut the drywall. It's the easiest thing to cut and you can replace it afterwards.

Seconded. I too would not double occupy the ground passage.
If your wall is deep enough to not have contact the two boxes on the outside wall can be back to back but it is usually easier to have some offset. Also be sure not to mix 240 and 120 in the same box. I think you need a shut off near the 240 outlet. And all the outlets inside the garage and out side need to be GFI.

[Fat Charlie]

My main concern about back to back boxes in an exterior wall (even more than convenience) would be insulation. I'd rather have it squished a bit in two places than not have it at all in one.

[redpoint5]

Good point, but my garage is uninsulated. I will offset them a little if I end up installing an exterior outlet.

... now that I've wired in the 240v outlet (haven't connected to breaker panel yet), I'm starting to think I should have 2 outlets in the garage. One for the plug-in Prius, and one for a future EV.

By the time I finish all my projects, I'll have rebuilt the entire house and reshaped the landscape.

I hope to build my own house someday; then everything will be where it should be. No 15 amp circuits, no carpet in the bathroom, no over-mounted sinks, etc, etc. And a man-cave.