How to run an overhead electrical wire to the garage

Are you building a new garage or renovating an old one?

One of the things you have to consider in a structure is the electrical wiring. Yes, I know it can be intimidating, especially if you are a DIY enthusiast. In this article, I will share a detailed guide to help you install electrical wire in your garage.

We will go into more detail below.

First steps

The first thing I would like to point out is that you should not run the overhead cable through studs or beams. Instead, secure all wires to beams, panels, and studs in the ceiling.

This prevents any misuse and also protects your home from a faulty circuit breaker. Having said that, let's dive into the details of how to run an overhead electrical wire into a garage.

Part 1. Placement of the box and cabling

Plug the cables into the box: Take the cable and remove about 8 cm of the plastic cover from the end of the cable. Carefully insert the wire through the box grommet and make sure it is properly routed. 

Make sure that the exposed plastic cover at the bottom of the conductor protrudes about 1.5 cm.

Then insert the wire about 8 inches from the electrical box and make sure the wire is about 1.5 inches from the front and back of the frame.

Plan the electrical wiring and cover the boxes with nailsA: The next thing to do is remove the cable from the reel to run it from box to box.

First, remove about 8 inches of electrical coiled cable and measure about half an inch and thread it through the holes in the box. 

Then loosen the cable a little and secure it to the frame, leaving at least ten feet of space for it.

Keep attaching it to the frame in this way until you get to the next box.

When you get to the next box, carefully unplug the cable and mark the insertion point on the cable.

Then cut the cable about 1 meter long and remove the cover.

Now insert the cable into the box and fasten the clamps to the box. Please note that all cables must be at least 1.5 cm away from the front and back of the rafters and posts. 

If you are using up to three or more wires, you will need special clips to secure them together. You can purchase them at your nearest hardware or electrical store.

Note that electrical boxes sometimes come with built-in plastic or metal brackets. (1)

Part 2: Steps to Run Surface Wires Inside a Solid Wall

When laying surface wires to solid walls, it is best to cover them with a metal pipe or PVC. This will protect them from wandering hands.

When selecting items to use, make sure you have the correct ribbon, connector, and plug for each cable. 

If the cable is routed through the open end of the conduit, plugs must be used to connect them. You should also run all cables on the surface for maximum protection.

I recommend that you use durable PVC conduit to protect them. Here are the steps to install wires in a solid wall:

• Take half an inch of conduit for one cable and three quarters of an inch for two. No matter what type of cable you use, connectors, straps and jars all have a unique cable design. So be sure to match the accessories you choose with the type of cable you want to use.
• From the base position, mount the electrical box to the wall and secure it in place.
• Next, install a conduit about three meters from the box.

• Follow the instructions that came with the cable to install it after routing it through the open slots.
• Make sure you don't run the cable through the cutout, as the sharp edges of the metal can pierce through the coating and damage it.
• Make sure you run the cable through the connector before you route it.

Part 3. Features of the contested code 

Let me remind you that the International Housing Code does not require electrical wiring in a detached garage.

By the way, the International Housing Code is the most accepted building code within the borders of the United States. However, special prerequisites are related to electrical services. 

Be sure to check your state regulations before working on overhead wiring. This is because there are minimum requirements and each state has its own specific requirements. Here are the minimum requirements that electrical wiring must meet:

Inner Light

If you are installing electricity in your garage, it must have at least one indoor light with a controllable wall switch.

Please note that an illuminated garage door opener, even with separate lighting control, does not meet this condition.

outdoor light

In a power garage, you must have a floor switch in front of the exit doors and they must be controlled by a motion sensor or wall switch.

GFCI protection

It is recommended to protect electrical outlets in the garage with a ground fault circuit breaker (GFCI). This will not only protect your structure, but also prevent any hazards in the building.

Ceiling rosette

You must have at least one electrical outlet if you plan to install electricity in your garage. There are no restrictions on the location of the outlet.

Part 4: How to Run Service Wiring from the Main Building to the Garage

• From the main panel to the garage accessory panel, dig a trench about 18 inches to run the outdoor cable.

• Using about an inch of substation PVC cable up to 50 amps or an inch and a quarter for 100 amps, run the overhead wiring to the primary junction box from the garage. You can install wires on the floor if your garage is not concrete. (2)

• Run the cable with the wide angle plug at 90 degrees, and when you're done, run the conduit through the outside wall of the garage and use the PVC connectors to secure the hidden box.
• Using the same method, fix the title field.
• Then fix the piece of plywood in the place where you want to install the tile on the wall. Make sure the plywood is about 15cm larger than the tile. Now screw the box to the center and attach the air hose to the box.
• Using the #8 THHN wire on the 50 amp side panel and the #2 THHN wire on the 100 amp side panel, connect the electrical wires to the side panel from the main panel. Then run the green, white, red and black wires to the side of the primary distribution box. You can keep the wires inside the right temperature even when it's cold outside.

Part 5: How to provide power to an individual garage or building

In some cases, laying underground wiring may not be practical, because sometimes there are obstacles in the house. For example, you may have patios, driveways, or other structures that may interfere with underground wiring. 

In this scenario, you must use an overhead electrical cable as a lead to a detached garage. Here are the steps to complete this process:

Step 1: Make sure there are no air lines in the public areas of the house, such as the patio or driveway. Try to avoid these because they can pose a serious security risk.

Step 2A: Install one 13" pipe on the side where you have electricity in the building and another on the side of the garage where you have electricity. Make sure you install the pipes correctly.

Step 3: Next, we fix the fastening ropes on two supports, for example, between pipes attached to the garage and the house. Make sure the cable is strong and perfectly insulated to support the weight of the electrical wire. You can use N276-013 2573BC cable

Step 4: Wind the power cord around the support wires carefully and make sure that the wires are not loose. To make this better, use a cable tie to secure the cable in place.

Step 5: Waterproof the conduit to prevent water from entering the primary junction box.

Part 6: Air ducts in your garage: how to make it efficient

In most homes with a garage, electricity is already connected to the garage. However, if the garage or shed in your home is not equipped with this, you will need a different electrical connection to create air ducts through the garage. 

One option I recommend is to install an overhead electrical wire straight from your main building to your garage. This ensures that your garage has enough electricity to keep the ducting efficient.

Summing up

Before starting this project, make sure you check the building codes in your area. This is to make sure you have permission to install and run electrical outlets in your garage. Also, check the terms and conditions associated with the project before you start.

Take a look at some of our articles below.

• How to conduct electrical wiring in an unfinished basement
• How to test a circuit breaker with a multimeter
• How to plug electrical wires

Recommendations

(1) metal – https://www.visualcapitalist.com/prove-your-metal-top-10-strongest-metals-on-earth/

(2) PVC - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/polyvinyl-chloride

Video links

Wiring a Shed or Detached Building

Menards Garage (24' x 48') Kit: Wiring To A Detached Garage (Part VI)

How to Run Underground Wiring to a Garage | Ask This Old House