A typical home workshop draws a lot of power due to the high-powered electrical tools used in the workshop. The high voltages and currents also make a workshop a fairly dangerous place. These two issues, plus the need for efficiency in the workshop, mean you should be extra careful with the electrical wiring in your home workshop. The following tips should help you get the wiring right.
Use Dedicated Circuit for Lighting
Place the lighting fixtures on a dedicated circuit. Such an arrangement ensures that your tools or other electrical malfunctions don't interfere with the lighting. For example, your lights will stay on if a power tool malfunctions and trips the breaker. If you have the lights and tools on the same circuit, then you may be forced to walk in the dark in a room full of dangerous tools.
Use Dedicated Circuits for High Power Tools
Apart from the lights, the high-powered tools should also be on dedicated circuits. The rationale here is that high-powered tools already draw too much power to be on the same circuit as other appliances, tools, or devices. You risk a circuit overload if you let high-powered tools share circuits with other electrical items.
Use the Correct Cables
The main difference between workshop wiring and wiring in the rest of the house is that the workshop draws a lot of power. The types of cables used in workshop wiring are thus important because cables meant for high power must be different from normal cables. For example, high-gauge stranded cables are more suitable for high-powered loads.
Use GFCI Protection
An electrical malfunction in a workshop can give you a nasty electrical shock or even electrocute you due to the high currents in the workshop. To combat this risk, in addition to proper grounding, you should also use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
A GFCI cuts of electricity if it senses current leakage. For example, if a GFCI detects a flow of current to the body of an electrical appliance, the GFCI cuts off electricity so that you don't suffer an electrical shock. You can install GFCI outlets or GFCI breakers since they offer the same protection.
Overestimate the Number of Electrical Outlets
You can't have too many electrical outlets in a workshop. You should overestimate the number of outlets you think you need; if you think you need six outlets, install more than six. That way you don't have to later install additional outlets if your needs increase.
A good number of outlets, spread on different circuits, also reduce the risk of circuit overload. Lastly, more outlets reduce your need for extension cords, which are dangerous in a workshop setting.
Consider a Subpanel
Install a subpanel in the workshop if you don't have one there already. A subpanel in the basement is useful for three main reasons. For one, a subpanel saves you from the need to install individual cable runs from the main house to the workshop.
Secondly, a nearby subpanel allows you to turn off power in case of an electrical malfunction in the workshop. Lastly, a subpanel in the workshop shields the main house from electrical malfunctions in the workshop.
Layer the Lighting
Layered lighting is both a convenience and a safety feature in the workshop. For example, task lighting around major tools or work tables will help you use your tools safely. General lighting will illuminate the whole workshop so you can walk in the room and see where everything is.
Don't attempt a DIY workshop wiring if you don't have electrical skills and experience. Express Electrical Services can help you install efficient and safe electrical wiring for your workshop. Contact usfor a quote, and we will not disappoint you.
