Replies

1. 
   planejim | Mar 22, 2005 04:34am | #1

   Home Depot has a book about wiring that covers your question relative to national electrical code.  It's called "Code Check Electrical".  Its about 8 1/2" x 11", made of glossy, thick card stock.  It has 28 pages.  This would be a good guide.

   If you can, check your local codes.  In my area copies are at the libraries.  The county inspectors (I live in an unincorporated area.) will also answer questions.

   Good luck,

   Jim

   
   

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   Edited 3/21/2005 9:35 pm ET by Jim

2. 
   Stuart | Mar 22, 2005 05:01am | #2

   There really isn't much in the Code about receptacle heights.  It says that for kitchen counters, the receptacle can't be more than 18" above the counter top, but that's about it.  44" is a good height, or wherever they work best for you.  It's nice to get them all lined up just so they look nice, but that's about it.

1. 
   jaypoe | Mar 22, 2005 05:09am | #4

   I am concerned with them being in the way of bench top work or shelving. The real fear is getting them in, putting the shop together and wishing, for what ever reason, they were 4" that way...... Just gonna go with my gut on this one.

3. 
   tmaxxx | Mar 22, 2005 05:08am | #3

   Hi Jay.

   i have built a few shops, but mostly for race cars.  the best working height for a bench is 40 inches with a plug height of 48 inches to the bottom with the plugs on side..  being tall you might like it better.

   now as a wood worker, i find no bench height is the perfect height. many times i have been on a stool or on the bench itself because things are too tall.  the binch height can be tailored if you do a specific type of  building.  having the bench at TS height is only necassary if you need it for support while using the saw.

   if you can, put plugs about 8 inches above the bench top on htere side(horizontal) and more in the front just under the edge. i find 8 inches is usually enough for bench top machines and still not be in the way for shelving.  and hand tools are nice to plug in the front so the cords are not in your way and have more reach.

   thats my 2 bits.  good luck

   Tmaxxx

   Urban Workshop Ltd

   Vancouver B.C.

    Now when i nod my head, you hit it.

1. 
   jaypoe | Mar 22, 2005 05:27am | #6

   My shop is very small. I need to stay below the TS height for clearence. Working on small parts at 40" is fine but going to boxes is not too great, even at 6'3". That is why I am considering leaving the saw at 34" thought it does feel low to me. I guess building boxes could happen on a break down assymbly table. Damn, small shops suck! Every freaking inch counts. Even the vertical ones.

   Oh yeah. What is the bini of vert mounted outlets?

   Thanks JP

1. 
   tmaxxx | Mar 22, 2005 07:18am | #7

   Oh yeah. What is the bini of vert mounted outlets?

   what?Tmaxxx

   Urban Workshop Ltd

   Vancouver B.C.

    Now when i nod my head, you hit it.

1. 
   jaypoe | Mar 22, 2005 01:59pm | #8

   What is the benefit to mounting outlets on there side (horizontaly)?.

1. 
   BArnold | Mar 22, 2005 02:08pm | #9

   Jay,

   If I may jump into the thread for a comment.  The mounting direction for a duplex otulet is really a preference thing as far as I'm concerned.  From the way most of them are made, the intended direction is vertically.  When surface mounting an electrical line around a wall, the outlets might look better if mounted horizontally.

   Regards,

   Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting Click Here if you're interested in a good,inexpensive website host.

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

2. 
   tmaxxx | Mar 22, 2005 05:38pm | #11

   if there above your bench they leave a littel more room and under the counter they tuck up better. other than that no big benifit.Tmaxxx

   Urban Workshop Ltd

   Vancouver B.C.

    Now when i nod my head, you hit it.

4. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 22, 2005 05:26am | #5

   Jay

   I placed all of the outlets in my new shop at 48", including switches, and the 20, 30, an 50 amp circuits.  The only outlet that is low is my 3 phase from the phase converter for 3 of my machines.  So far, I'm very pleased with that height.  It doesn't seem to interfere with anything, although my bench is away from the way, so I can work and clamp on all 4 sides.

   Jeff

5. 
   hammer1 | Mar 22, 2005 02:47pm | #10

   6" to the bottom over your bench is good. I would put in quad recepticles and plenty of them. An alternative is to use strip recepticles. It's surprising how many things you want to plug in and leave them in.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

6. 
   jazzdogg | Mar 22, 2005 06:19pm | #12

   Jay,

   I must be a contrarian, because I prefer the electrical outlets that I use for portable electric power tools mounted up front, just under the surface of the workbench; that way, there are no cords strung across the workbench, nothing on the bench gets knocked over as cords are moved, and the length of the cord is effectively lengthened because it doesn't have to span the depth of the bench. Locating the plugs beneath the bench allows me to keep several tools plugged in, and stored in cubbies beneath the bench, without any of them getting in the way.

   Of course, I also have wall-mounted plugs mounted about six inches above the bench, but they're for things that are intended to sit on the bench in use, like battery chargers or bench-mounted tools like a hollow chisel mortiser.

   I also like drop cords suspended from the ceiling so I don't trip over them, so I guess that make me doubly odd!

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

7. 
   Mach70 | Mar 22, 2005 08:02pm | #13

   I pretty much peppered my shop with outlets.  At 2' above the floor are outlets every 8' with a few 220V strategically placed with them in 4-gang boxes.  At 4' above the floor, and spaced between the lower outlets, are more outlets & the switches.  Stationary tools usually are plugged in low and bench or counter top tools (not to mention a cluster of battery chargers) in the uppers.  Before the concrete was poured I buried conduit & boxes for floor outlets for the tablesaw & jointer.  A few dot the ceiling--on the lighting circuit--for good measure (keeps the sander cord out of the way).  It's all easy to do with new construction.

   There is only 1 extension cord in my shop & it's for cutting up plywood on the floor with the circular saw.

    

   4'  =|8=======8========8========|8=

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   0'  ____________________________________

    

1. 
   UncleDunc | Mar 23, 2005 04:09pm | #14

   One suggestion I have seen is to mount them more than 48" above the floor so you can still get to them when you have sheet goods leaned up against the wall.

8. 
   DougF | Mar 23, 2005 04:22pm | #15

   Jay,

   I agree with Jazzdog.  Most of the outlets that I use the most for portable and hand tools are from ceiling drops, off of reel cords or, as another suggested, mounted on the front of the work bench and other bench-heigth cabinets.  The only time I use wall mounted outlets is for my stationary tools.   I did, however, plan for the outlets and placed the bottom of the outlet at 50" in case I wanted to have access to the outlet and store sheet goods ontheir side. 

   Doug

9. 
   jackplane | Mar 23, 2005 05:05pm | #16

   40"