How to make electrical wiring and lighting in the garage with your own hands – scheme, cable calculation and installation technology

When it comes to do-it-yourself home improvement projects, wiring and lighting your garage may initially seem difficult. On the other hand, you can complete the task safely and successfully if you have the appropriate information and strategy. For convenience and safety, having adequate electrical wiring and lighting in your garage is crucial, regardless of whether you’re turning it into a workshop, extra storage, or just trying to make it more functional.

Prior to beginning the project, a plan must be created. Think about how you’ll use the area, where switches and outlets will be needed, and how much lighting you’ll need for good visibility. Making a rough layout sketch can help you see where outlets and fixtures should go so you can make sure the wiring doesn’t get too complicated and still meet all of your needs.

It is important that you familiarize yourself with your local building codes and regulations regarding electrical work before beginning any wiring or lighting fixture installations. These regulations are in place to guarantee that safety requirements are fulfilled and to stop possible risks like electrical shocks or fires. If you are unsure or have any questions, it’s wise to speak with a qualified electrician or your local building department.

You must take into account various factors when choosing the appropriate cables for your garage wiring project, including the expected electrical load, the spacing between outlets and fixtures, and whether the wiring will be exposed to moisture or other environmental elements. To avoid overheating and guarantee the safe and effective operation of your electrical system, it is crucial to select the appropriate gauge and kind of cable.

For your garage electrical system to function safely and effectively, proper installation methods are essential. This entails grounding your electrical components correctly, making tight and secure connections, and securely fastening cables. By taking the time to complete the task correctly the first time, you can reduce the likelihood of electrical problems or breakdowns and avoid headaches in the future.

You can successfully complete the task of wiring and lighting your garage by using appropriate installation techniques, observing safety guidelines and regulations, and adhering to a well-thought-out plan. You will not only make the area more functional, but you’ll also feel good about yourself because you worked hard to finish a worthwhile home renovation project.

Creating a scheme of electrical wiring in the garage with your own hands

Garage single-phase wiring diagram

The garage falls under the category of technical spaces, where open wiring is more frequently utilized. This makes it possible to complete the electrical work as quickly as possible. Such a system is also simpler to maintain and update. The wiring can be installed inside the load-bearing walls for safety reasons, but the damaged area must be fully opened up if there are any issues.

A two-car garage should have a single-phase power supply installed with a voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz for parking and maintenance purposes. This voltage is adequate for powering lights, power outlets, power tool supplies, charging devices, and starter equipment.

Only garages that maintain a large number of cars and large pieces of equipment—or that require continuous operation of an electric boiler, machine tool power, or welding equipment—use three-phase power supplies with a voltage of 380 V.

Creating an electrical network layout plan is a must before beginning any installation work. It is preferable to sketch up a plan on millimeter paper, which shows the garage’s general layout as well as the walls, floor, and ceiling. Every sketch is shown at a smaller size, which makes it easy to draw the proper labels.

An illustration of the garage’s external electrical wiring

The following devices’ locations are then shown by the scheme:

• input distribution board;
• metering device, RCD, automatics;
• socket group;
• switches and lighting fixtures;
• power cable and wiring.

It is advisable to consider the best location for the RCDs, the meter, and the path to be taken for the cable laying to the lighting and outlet group when designing the layout. It is decided how many outlets and lighting fixtures there are overall, particularly if there is an inspection pit.

The location of the garage should be taken into consideration when designing the electrical wiring in order to provide a means of supplying electricity to the switchboard. Generally, garages are built in garage cooperatives that have their own substation or next to grid-connected residential buildings. Determine the best way to lay the cable line starting from the closest transmission line if a garage is to be built on a different location.

Scheme for a garage without an inspection pit

Diagram of the garage’s single-phase electrical wiring for 220 V

With a nominal operating voltage of 220 V, the single-phase wiring scheme is depicted in the above photo, taking into consideration the conditions described. This approximate scheme is intended to be familiarizing. In actual use, particularly when strong equipment is present, the wiring diagram might appear slightly different.

This is the layout for a garage without a pit:

• 1 – input two-pole automatic circuit breaker, designed for 220 V;
• 2 – electric meter;
• 3 – RCD for outlet group and lighting;
• 4 – single-pole automatic circuit breakers for each outlet group;
• 5 and 6 – pair socket groups;
• 7 – automat of the general lighting network;
• 8 – automat of the local lighting network for spotlights;
• 9 and 10 – switches for general and local lighting;
• 11 and 12 – lighting devices.

Phase (L), zero (N), and grounding are the three cores that are utilized in wiring installations, per this scheme. The purpose of the grounding wire is to keep electrical appliances operational and shield people from electric current. To make the scheme simpler, the ground wire (PE) wiring is not displayed.

Wiring diagram for a room with an inspection pit

Diagram showing the garage’s single-phase electric wiring with an inspection pit

Subject to certain restrictions, the basement space beneath the floor level may be referred to as the inspection pit. Ultra-low voltage current, or 42 volts or less, must be used for the electrical supply of the inspection pit in accordance with the rules of electrical installations (PUE).

A unique transformer that lowers voltage and has a maximum current capacity of 2-3 kW is installed for this purpose. Power tools, lighting fixtures, and other machinery that will be utilized during work in the inspection pit must also be made to withstand this voltage.

It is not advised to disobey this rule since you could receive a fatal electric shock in the event of a network malfunction.

The wiring diagram for a garage with an inspection pit is shown above. The figure displays:

• 1 – input electrical panel;
• 2 – input two-pole automatic circuit breaker for 220 V;
• 3 – electric meter;
• 4 – step-down transformer to 36-42 volts;
• 5 – lighting fixtures of the inspection pit;
• 6 – RCD;
• 7 and 8 – automatic switches of socket group No. 1 and 2:
• 9 and 10 – socket groups No. 1 and 2;
• 11 and 12 – automatic lighting group No. 1 and 2;
• 13 and 14 – lighting group number 1 and 2;
• 15 – switch or several switches for lighting groups.

The electrical network is laid using a cable with an earthing conductor, just like in the prior instance. The cable VVG 3*1,5 is used for lighting, and VVG 3*6 is used for socket groups. As a result of the ability to connect strong equipment, such as compressors, welding machines, starting devices, and starting apparatuses, sockets have larger cable cross sections.

Video: tips for drawing up the circuit

Necessary materials

An accurate wiring diagram will make it easier to determine how many outlets, cables, automatics, etc. there are. The input cable’s length and cross-section are first determined. Use the unique table below for this purpose.

Table that determines the cable’s cross-section based on network power

As an illustration, let’s figure out the specifications for the cable and other parts of circuit No. 1, which was described in the previous section:

• Cross-section of the input cable – in this case in the garage is not planned to device a full-fledged workshop, so the ideal copper cable for 4-4.5 kV. mm.
• Electric switchboard – a switchboard with 9 modules is enough.
• Cross-section of cable for the socket group – the power of tools used for maintenance and repair of the car rarely exceeds 3 kW. Taking this into account, the cable cross-section is selected – 1.5-2 mm. sq., but for safety reasons it is recommended to use a copper cable with a cross-section of 2.5 mm. kV.

Wiring cables for different cross sections

Circuit breakers and RCDs for the power grid

The best route is used to determine the length of the cable. A 10% reserve should be used when buying the cable. Purchasing extremely inexpensive goods is strongly discouraged. The best kind of wiring would be double-insulated with insulating conductors.

In our article on "How to make electrical wiring and lighting in the garage with your own hands," we"ll guide you through the process step by step, making it easy even for beginners. First, we"ll explain the necessary materials and tools you"ll need. Then, we"ll walk you through calculating the right cables for your garage"s electrical needs, ensuring safety and efficiency. Next, we"ll provide a clear wiring scheme, breaking down each connection point and switch placement. Finally, we"ll cover the installation process, offering practical tips to ensure everything is done correctly and securely. By the end, you"ll feel confident in setting up electrical wiring and lighting in your garage, creating a safe and functional space for your projects.

Necessary tools for installation

A transformer that steps down the electrical system’s voltage from 220 to 36 volts

The installation of electrical wiring will require the use of the following tools:

• pliers and side cutters;
• Phillips and slotted screwdriver;
• Hammer and chisel;
• electric drill and perforator;
• Bolgar with a disk on concrete;
• duct tape and an indicator screwdriver.

It is preferable for hand tool handles to be composed of rubberized materials. Before beginning any work, the plastic handle should be covered with multiple layers of duct tape.

Garage wiring with your own hands – step-by-step instructions

There are multiple steps involved in installing wiring and lighting in a garage: wall preparation, input cable pulling, internal wiring installation, and outlet and lighting connections.

Using an indicator screwdriver, make sure the contacts have power.

It’s important to follow these safety guidelines when handling electricity:

1. Wiring, pulling, installation and other work must be carried out with the power off. It is better to make sure of this yourself – carefully check each contact with an indicator screwdriver. To do this, the tip of the screwdriver is applied to the contacts and other surfaces, with the index finger always on the contact from the end of the handle.
2. When the switchboard is de-energized, a sign "Do not switch on" must be hung on the switchboard! Work in progress". If it is not possible to completely de-energize the switchboard, connection work should be carried out only with rubber gloves and standing on a rubber mat.
3. It is forbidden to touch two contacts at the same time. When working with three-phase wiring should be extremely careful. The voltage between conductors in a 380 V network is noticeably higher than in a standard 220 V network. It"s also important to remember that exposure to interfacial voltage, especially when the current passes through the heart, is potentially fatal.

Installing wiring should not be done if, prior to starting, you are unsure that you can complete the task with the necessary care and focus. It is preferable to hire an expert, as they will complete the task more effectively and with less danger to your health.

Preparatory work

Dragging the power cord through the atmosphere

Prepare the walls and the cable for communication cabling before beginning the wiring installation. For each connection, there should be a 10-cm buffer when cutting the cable. The wall surface is meticulously measured in accordance with the diagram’s route before cutting.

It is advised to double-check the circuit to make sure it complies with the following specifications before marking:

• The cable route should be strictly horizontal or vertical. Turn the route only at an angle of 90 o ;
• wiring should be laid at a distance of 10-15 cm from the place where the walls meet the ceiling or floor;
• Switches are mounted at a height of at least 1.5 meters. The distance from the doorway is at least 10-15 cm;
• Sockets must be installed in the wall at a height of at least 60 cm from the floor surface. The distance between neighboring sockets is not less than 4 m;
• A separate circuit breaker is provided for each group of outlets and lighting fixtures;
• A step-down transformer and lighting fixtures of appropriate capacity must be provided for the inspection pit.

The wall surface is then marked using a construction pencil, marking cord, or marker. A level is used to verify the marking made with a pencil. A laser or bubble level is used for this.

Before installing the wiring, any foreign, oversized objects and containers containing combustible mixtures in the garage must be moved to the street.

External wiring

Dragging the power line "below ground"

The location of the building will determine the extent and complexity of the work involved in installing a power cable to the garage. If the garage is in the neighboring area, all that needs to be done is dig a pit the necessary length and install armored cable.

It will be necessary to apply to the organization that serves the power line for any structure that is detached or built on land owned by a garage cooperative.

The application, ownership papers, and the designed power supply scheme will then be taken into consideration by the organization. Following that, a choice will be made and conditions will be assigned, which the owner must meet before connecting the electrical system.

There are two ways to install the power cable, per SNiP:

1. Underground – a hidden method of connecting the structure, when armored cable is used. For its laying a trench is dug at least 30 cm deep, below the freezing point of the ground. At the bottom of the trench, a sand cushion 15 cm thick is poured and compacted. A corrugated pipe is laid on the pad and the cable is pulled through. After that, the pipe is covered with a 15 cm layer of sand and finally buried in the ground.
2. Through the air – an open method of connecting the building to the power grid. For this purpose, a cable with a supporting cable is used, which is stretched between the support pole and the garage. If the distance between the garage and the pole exceeds 20 m, an intermediate support is installed between them. The cable tension height above the roadway should not be less than 6 m above ground level.

Only a management company specialist should perform the task of connecting the power cable. You have the authority to oversee the work’s advancement and the caliber of its execution. in particular, the cable’s minimum depth of 70 cm and the maximum height of tension at the room’s entrance of 2.75 m.

Internal wiring in the garage

Wall grouting in order to install electrical wiring

Using a perforator, a hole must be made in the wall for the power cable to enter the garage. The hole is between 20 and 30 mm in diameter. The cable is transported to the location of the electrical panel by being pulled through a 20–25 m cross-section corrugated PVC pipe.

The following electrical wiring needs to be installed further inside the garage:

According to the markings made, cuts are made to a depth of 2.5-3 cm with the help of a Bulgarian drill with a concrete disk. After that, the concrete is carefully pounded out with a chisel and hammer to form a cable channel of the desired shape.

When installing communications cables, use PVC corrugation to protect them.

Garage electrical panel with meter, RCD, and automatic

Staples for connecting automatic circuit breakers and resistor-controlled devices

Installation of a box beneath the ceiling and a distribution board on the wall

The quality of the insulation, lighting, and appliance connections is examined following the removal and installation of all wiring components. If everything is completed in compliance with SNiP, power can be applied to test it.

Video: how to connect the RCD

Lighting of the inspection pit

36-volt lights are used to illuminate the garage’s inspection pit.

Generally speaking, lighting and socket configuration for the inspection pit are only done in garages where 380 V three-phase wiring installation is intended. All of the previously mentioned works are completed for this reason. A step-down transformer is also connected and installed close to the distribution board.

Pulling the line closed method from the transformer involves drilling a hole in the wall and floor through which the cable is buried and covered in PVC corrugation. The cable is then led straight to the inspection pit, from where it turns off to the lighting group.

Lighting fixtures with LED bases and low voltage (12–36 V) are employed as lighting devices. The lighting fixture should be constructed completely of plastic. The enclosure is further grounded if it has a metal circuit or cover.

The lighting in the inspection pit should have outlets and switches outside of it. Ideally, if they are going to be near the distribution board.

Video: wiring in the garage with your own hands

Topic:

How to make electrical wiring and lighting in the garage with your own hands – scheme, cable calculation and installation technology

Steps:

1. Plan the wiring layout and lighting placement in your garage. 2. Calculate the required cable length based on the layout and distance from the power source. 3. Choose the appropriate type and gauge of electrical cable for your project. 4. Install junction boxes to safely connect wires and protect them from damage. 5. Follow the wiring diagram or schematic to connect outlets, switches, and light fixtures. 6. Secure cables to walls or ceiling joists using cable clips or staples. 7. Test the wiring to ensure proper connections and functionality. 8. Install lighting fixtures according to the manufacturer"s instructions. 9. Consider adding additional safety features like GFCI outlets or surge protectors. 10. Double-check your work and make any necessary adjustments before finishing.

For both functionality and safety, your garage’s electrical wiring and lighting must be installed correctly. A workspace that satisfies your requirements and conforms with safety regulations can be created by using the appropriate techniques and adhering to a well-designed scheme.

First and first, meticulous planning of your wiring layout is essential. Think about the areas where outlets, lights, and any specialized equipment will be required. Planning out your electrical layout in advance will help you during the installation process by saving time and hassles.

Select cables that fit local building codes and are appropriate for the intended use when it comes to your garage wiring. Choosing the right gauge and length for the cables guarantees effective power delivery and lowers the possibility of overloading circuits.

Installation technology has a big impact on your electrical system’s longevity and safety. To guarantee a dependable setup, it is imperative to use suitable junction boxes, securely fasten cables, and adhere to manufacturer installation instructions for fixtures.

When starting this do-it-yourself project, don’t be afraid to consult experts or internet resources for advice. Although doing renovations around the house yourself can be empowering, safety should always come first. See an electrician if you have any questions regarding the wiring or lighting installation in order to prevent any possible dangers.

Planning ahead, choosing high-quality materials, and carefully carrying out the installation will allow you to create a well-lit, useful garage space that will meet your needs and increase the value of your house for many years to come.

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