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2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

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Old 07-31-2007, 06:00 PM
  #26  
Mods-R-Me
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation


ORIGINAL: KW_Counter
Is all of youe electrical on a GFCI?
Lots of outlets are a wonderful thing. I wired the first outlet as a GFCI and the others feed off of that one in paralell. I dont have a lot of ceiling space so I'll have to use floor fans.

Mods
Old 08-04-2007, 11:25 PM
  #27  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Phase 4: Electrical outlets and lighting cont2...


Summary

Most of the wiring in the south wall is complete. Only need to install the outlet boxes and hook then up to the sub-box.


Construction

There was only one 15A GFCI oulet in the garage when I began this project. After mapping the electrical in my house I discovered that all of the external outlets and the one in the garage were on the same breaker [:@]. This would not do so I removed the outlet and relocated it to the ceiling (figure 1). The outdoor fixtures now feed off of the ceiling GFCI. The relocation of the outlet left about 50 feet of extra cable. This was very good considering I didn't have to use any of my own; saving $$$ [sm=thumbs_up.gif].


Figure 1

This wall was insulated prior to me installing more outlets so I only needed to remove small sections in order to install the outlets (figure 2). I decided to use cut in boxes due to the placement of the cabinets. The wall studs were too far away to use conventional nail boxes. Drywall is expensive, so I used the same cut-out sections as before (figure 3). Total installation time was 8 hours...not bad [sm=shades_smile.gif].


Figure 2


Figure 3


What's Next

1. Wire the lights
2. Wire the East Wall
3. Perform finish checks and final hook-up
Old 08-05-2007, 10:56 PM
  #28  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Mods,
Nice work.
I can't imagine it is required by code to use the stud plates over the places you pulled wire through drilled holes... ?
Seems to me you could have saved yourself time & money by not bothering with them. Do you think a nail or drywall screw is going to go that deep and pierce a wire?
As a licensed electrician I can honestly say that I've only used them once or twice. I believe the NEC requires their use if the wire passes within an inch and a half of the rough surface. I don't feel like looking it up so it's only a guess.

I'm not picking - just curious.

Once again, Nice Work!
Old 08-06-2007, 11:52 AM
  #29  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation


ORIGINAL: Jazzy

Mods,
Nice work.
I can't imagine it is required by code to use the stud plates over the places you pulled wire through drilled holes... ?
Seems to me you could have saved yourself time & money by not bothering with them. Do you think a nail or drywall screw is going to go that deep and pierce a wire?
As a licensed electrician I can honestly say that I've only used them once or twice. I believe the NEC requires their use if the wire passes within an inch and a half of the rough surface. I don't feel like looking it up so it's only a guess.

I'm not picking - just curious.

Once again, Nice Work!
Actually you're right [&:]. I went back into the code to comfirmed it, but I guess it's too late now......
Old 08-13-2007, 06:41 PM
  #30  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Is this an airplane thread or a construction thread? Just remod your shop & build a stinking airplane. You've wasted enough time planning- talking- planning- & typing to build 3 airplanes. Get over yourself & put a thread in here about your plane build!!!!!! I just had a thought--- I would bet the farm that you're an engineer.. Am I right?
Old 08-16-2007, 02:54 AM
  #31  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Hello,

I just bought a new house with similar place for making my RC-shop. I'm verry interested in your progress, any news??

I plan on waiting my build-over till you are done, so I have knowledge of all sorts of problems that can accur and possible solutions.

Eager to learn more.

Keep up the good work.

Phil
Old 08-16-2007, 10:33 PM
  #32  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation


ORIGINAL: thibor

Hello,

I just bought a new house with similar place for making my RC-shop. I'm verry interested in your progress, any news??

I plan on waiting my build-over till you are done, so I have knowledge of all sorts of problems that can accur and possible solutions.

Eager to learn more.

Keep up the good work.

Phil
Thanks for the kind words. I just got back from Vegas and will continue the shop build (wiring the lighting probably) tomorrow. Since you plan on starting a similar project, I'll try and add a few more detailed pics and explanations.

Mods
Old 08-27-2007, 12:23 AM
  #33  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Phase 4: Electrical outlets and lighting

Summary

I can say with unsurpassed joy that the lighting/outlet wiring phase is complete! Most of the time was spent re-running the contractor installed "corner to corner" wires to 90 degree angles going form wall to wall. This was done to make insulating the ceiling much easier. If I had not re-run the wire, I'd have to pick up each wire and slide the insulation under it or cut the insulation to fit around the wire. This would cause me to spend even longer in the 120+ degree attic [:'(].

The lighting plan was modified replacing the bucket lights with six additional 48" fluorescent’s (figure 1). Lowes was offering a really good deal on them for $24/each, so I traded in the bucket lights for these. The sink idea also had to be abandoned due to installation cost and schedule constraints. I plan on having the shop done by December and dropping $1200 on the sink alone would slow down the remodel. I now plan on installing a tool cabinet and water cooler in that location to fill the space. Good thing is now I have more room for R/C plane storage .

Figure 1


Construction

Here's a shot of the light switch and garage door opener before modification (figure 2). The garage light switch feeds off of the living room, so I had to separate that circuit and run new wire from the sub-panel, through the switches, to the fluorescents’. The single gauge switch box will be replaced with a 3 gauge plastic box to accommodate two new switches (for center florescent) and a 15A outlet that still feeds the living room (figure 3). The positioning of the living room feeder wire made it difficult to bypass the garage altogether, so I made it into an outlet. Why? You can never have enough outlets [sm=49_49.gif]. I also plan on moving the garage door opener four inches to the left to make room for the cabinets.


Figure 2- Switch Set Up Prior to Modification


Figure 3-New Lighting/ Receptacle Hardware




Old 08-27-2007, 12:44 AM
  #34  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Phase 4: Electrical outlets and lighting cont...

First, I removed the drywall from the area (figure 1). Note the pattern of the cut; this way I don't have to add extra wood backing to the cut-out section for screws. Next, 12/3 Romex was ran from the sub panel to the cut-in box above the switch (figure 2). Here the 12/3 was split with two 12/2 wires to operate both sets of center room florescent lights. One light switch for the front two and the other for the rear two.


Figure 1: Drywall Removal


Figure 2: Cut-in Box Splice 12/3 (1) to 12/2 (2)


Figure 3: Drywall Section Replaced


One more thing...According to NEC code wire are to be firmly affixed to a stud with some sort of fixture ("stack its", cables boss, etc). I had to reciprocating saw on full blast when I hear a large "POP' and then the garage door closed. This is what happens when you run wires corner to corner (figure 4). I guess the contractor forgot about this one [:@].The damaged wire was then spliced and inserted into the cut-in box. Now I know to never cut blindly into a wall.


Figure 4: Garage door wire damage
Old 08-27-2007, 01:15 AM
  #35  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Phase 4: Electrical outlets and lighting cont...

Here's a quick before and after of the West Wall wiring (figures 1 & 2). The wiring was installed the same way as described earlier, except for the three-way light switch to control the side fluorescent’s over the cut/sand/saw/mini-fridge workbenches. There is another three-way in the same spot on the West Wall. This way I have extra light when needed for small, quick modifications.


Figure 1: East Wall before Wiring


Figure 2: East Wall after Wiring


Finally, here's a shot of the sub-panel ready for final hook-up. All wires are labeled with their corresponding location.


Figure 3: Sub-Panel


Starting to see daylight

Mods


What's Next?

1. Hook-up electricity
2. Insulate Attic and Walls
3. Install A/C
4. Epoxy the Floor
Old 08-27-2007, 01:22 AM
  #36  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Only comment I have on the whole project is screw the cheap romex and put in EMT conduit. You would never cut through it so easily.
Old 08-27-2007, 01:45 AM
  #37  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation


ORIGINAL: waross

Only comment I have on the whole project is screw the cheap romex and put in EMT conduit. You would never cut through it so easily.
Thanks, but that wire wasn't Romex. I beleive it came with the garage door opener. EMT, where can you pick it up from?
Old 08-27-2007, 07:35 AM
  #38  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Kelvin,nice looking project, coming along very well. The romex if properly installed and sized is more than adequate, E.M.T. electrical metalic tubing would be overkill in this application. Naturally, anything surface mounted should be in an approved raceway, low voltage wiring for door openers, etc. wouldn't need to be though. Ace Hardware stores carry a good assortment of electrical needs, E.M.T. included. You mention the contractor ran some romex diagonally, that to me isn't installed in a "workmanship like manner", I would have changed it also. Are you going to have any sound system for soothing music , in ceiling speakers would be nice. I retired from the electrical trade after 40 years at it, I couldn't have found a better job.
Old 08-27-2007, 09:54 AM
  #39  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

ORIGINAL: DelRay

You mention the contractor ran some romex diagonally, that to me isn't installed in a "workmanship like manner", I would have changed it also. Are you going to have any sound system for soothing music , in ceiling speakers would be nice.
Actually they ran ALL the Romex diagonally [:@]. I was going to use a regular boombox type of sound system, but now that you mention it......here's another idea for a way I could burn some more money. Thanks.
Old 08-28-2007, 06:54 AM
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Kelvin, glad to put my two cents worth in. You wouldn't necessarily have to install the "master unit" in the wall unless you wanted it, but at least the speakers and the speaker wiring would be concealed. Find a good location for the "boombox" or rcvr/amp and exit the speaker leads in that location. Running romex diagonally is like running a piece of E.M.T. crooked in my mind, just ain't right.[>:] It's just as much fun to help someone else spend money as it is to spend your own.
Old 08-28-2007, 08:27 AM
  #41  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Very cool!
Old 08-28-2007, 10:52 AM
  #42  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Very nice job, and I agree on the sound system.

Plus you'll need sorround sound for the High Def flat screen
Old 09-05-2007, 02:32 PM
  #43  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

My electrical consultant just left and says everything is good to go for the final hook-up . Now, I'm heading to city hall and apply for my permit. Here's the final wiring diagram for the shop.

EDIT: Got the permit. Total time for approval = 5 min. Total cost = $101


Wiring Diagram
Old 09-09-2007, 12:05 PM
  #44  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Wow, lots of work done! Looks good!

Diagonal Romex??? Hack Electric or Amature Electric at its best. The contractor was simply saving money by using less wire. Crooked conduit? - no way!. Nice clean flowing racks, concentric bends, staggered kicks - the only way to go!

Kevin, have you ever considered cutting the drywall down the center of a stud instead of over a dead space? Less mudwork and more durable finished product.
By the way, in a finished wall you don't have to staple or otherwise secure the wiring within the wall! Cut the outlet hole and 'fish' the wire down from above through a hole drilled in the header. Staple in attic. Done. Cut-in boxes or 'wing-backs' etc are designed just for such cases. Sorry, I should have mentioned them earlier... OH yeah, make sure you keep the living room wiring separate from the sub-panel wiring. This includes the neutrals.

BTW, where is the wet (or semi-wet) bar? Some rum, JD, Rumpleminze, and Blackhause would be grand!

Nice work!!
Old 09-09-2007, 09:47 PM
  #45  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation


ORIGINAL: Jazzy

Kevin, have you ever considered cutting the drywall down the center of a stud instead of over a dead space? Less mudwork and more durable finished product.
Ahh, You're right! But it's too late for this project. I'll keep that in mind for the next one.

By the way, in a finished wall you don't have to staple or otherwise secure the wiring within the wall! Cut the outlet hole and 'fish' the wire down from above through a hole drilled in the header.
[&:] This has been a learning experience in more ways than I can count.

OH yeah, make sure you keep the living room wiring separate from the sub-panel wiring. This includes the neutrals.
Check. The magenta lines in the wiring diagram are wired directly to the main panel. this includes the grounds, nutrals, and hots.

BTW, where is the wet (or semi-wet) bar? Some rum, JD, Rumpleminze, and Blackhause would be grand!
All in good time my friend.

Old 09-10-2007, 10:28 AM
  #46  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Hey, lookin' good, almost there, when's the grande opening party? Ahh, fishing wire down inside walls, a length of sash chain will surely aid in this proceedure, unless the wall is insulated.[:@] If so, get out the ol' fishtape and have some real fun, er, well, experience. Rum is good for me also with a splash of Coke please.
Old 09-10-2007, 10:50 AM
  #47  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

ORIGINAL: DelRay

Hey, lookin' good, almost there, when's the grande opening party? Ahh, fishing wire down inside walls, a length of sash chain will surely aid in this proceedure, unless the wall is insulated.[:@] If so, get out the ol' fishtape and have some real fun, er, well, experience. Rum is good for me also with a splash of Coke please.
The shop is scheduled for completion by 12 Dec 2007. I'll be glad when I can start building the cabinets. The epoxy floor coating and A/C will be on order next week. I'm just glad to major electrical work is done.
Old 09-10-2007, 09:40 PM
  #48  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Phase 4: Electrical outlets and lighting

Quick Update

All outlets have been wired and are ready for inspection on Friday. In the mean time, I've installed six of the eight florescent lights and a 13A, 50ft, retractable extension cord (Figures 1 & 2). Why did I wait so long to install one of these? In only two days it has become the most used item in the entire renovation. I've since wrapped my other extension cords in a box and haven't looked back since.



Figure 1: Main Shop Lights



Figure 2: Retractable Extension Cord


What's Next
1. Install all the outlets
2. Install the breakers
3. Turn on the juice! (hopefully this weekend)

Mods
Old 09-11-2007, 07:17 AM
  #49  
DelRay
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Hey, by the looks of the pic (main shop lights) you can now be inducted into the order of the "Illustrious Illuminators"

The retractable extention cord is a nice addition, they come in handy, and usually no kinks or wrinkles in it when you want to use it.
Old 09-11-2007, 01:52 PM
  #50  
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Default RE: 2C Garage to Ultimate R/C Shop Renovation

Got good news and possible bad news. Just got a call from a company I've been wanting to work for and they offered me $25,000 more than I'm making now to move [&:]. Decisions, decisions.........


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