Popular Woodworking 2006-11 № 158, страница 29

WOODWORKING

ESSENTIALS

BY BILL STANKUS

Setting Up Shop:

Lighting & Power

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hen the workshop has proper lighting, sufficient electrical power and plenty of outlets it is a safer and better work environment.

Whether you are building a new free-standing shop or adapting a garage or basement for your woodshop, determining a plan for your electrical needs is one of the most important steps. Here is where to begin.

Evaluate Your Electrical Needs

Check the electrical service panel and circuit breakers to the workshop location and note the breakers' amp values. If there's only one 15- or 20-amp circuit for the workshop or if the service to your home is 100 amps (or less), then the service will need upgrading.

How you upgrade or install adequate electrical service for a workshop location is dependent on whether you're remodeling or building a new room. Installing wiring and outlets in a new construction is fairly straightforward compared to remodeling.

Warnings About Electricity

Never attempt electrical work if you have doubts about the wiring layout or the consequences of your effort. Start with your local building departments (usually city and county) and the utility company. Building departments have electrical inspectors who can explain local codes and requirements concerning permits for the work and

any necessary inspections. Requirements, regulations and amended versions of the National Electrical Code (NEC) vary from area to area. It is very important to follow the codes and guidelines established for your area. The local utility agencies can assist in the location of underground cables and will recommend the correct approach to any electrical-service upgrades. Find a recommended licensed electrical contractor. Often, it's less time-consuming, more economical and safer to have an expert install new wiring, electrical service panels or other custom work than to try it yourself.

Safety Rules

Upgrading a workshop generally consists of information, common sense, proper tools and supplies. To safely complete an electrical upgrade requires knowing the machinery and tool electrical requirements, code-compliant installation of outlets, use of the proper types and sizes of cables, outlets, etc. If you have any reservations about any of these points, call an electrical contractor.

Never work on a live circuit. Always disconnect the circuit at the service panel. That means switching

One example of 120v/240v wiring for a two-gang box.