ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by tortuga - 03/28/24 05:57 PM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 260 guests, and 19 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Redsy Offline OP
Member
I feel I need to run 2 circuits for the GDOs (3 of them) if a receptacle, or lighting outlet is also supplied.
(My own 1/2 HP units draw 5 amps each)

Thoughts?

Stay up to Code with the Latest NEC:


>> 2023 NEC & Related Reference & Exam Prep
2023 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides

Pass Your Exam the FIRST TIME with the Latest NEC & Exam Prep

>> 2020 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides
 

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,507
G
Member
From a real world prospective, you are not likely to have a problem. It certianly is not a fire or shock hazard but I'm sure if you operated all 3 GDO's at the same time you might trip the breaker. Depending on what else you have on the circuit- air compressor, freezer or other larger appliances, you might trip the breaker when you use only one GDO.

So this guy has a 4 car garage- he/she can afford the additional circuit(s).


George Little
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 751
E
Member
I have a three car garage, and I ran a single circuit to all three openers. I fully expected to have to run a second circuit for the last of the three openers. But, the circuit held when I opened or closed all three at the same time. (added one opener at a time over several years)
I did run a separate circuit for the lights and receptacles.

Are you trying to avoid installing a panel in the garage? The NEC makes it clear that if you run a multiwire branch circuit (sharing the same neutral with two hots) to a detached garage, that it constitutes a single circuit, and a panel (and the ground rods) are not required.


Earl
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 73
D
Member
I also have 3 openers on same circuit. The only time I have tripped a breaker was when I had an elect heater plugged into same circuit I was using table saw and someone else was using skill saw at same time.

It also had no affect on doors because they are on circuit by themselves.

Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Redsy Offline OP
Member
Thanks, guys.

It is an attached garage, and my main concern was NEC compliance regarding the aforementioned article.
As far as performance, it is probably a crap shoot. If someone operates all 3, the CB might not handle the starting currents.

BTW,

I ran a 2nd circuit.

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,064
D
Member
ground to the left or ground to the right on the opener receps?

Dnk..

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 251
T
Member
1 dedicated circuit for the 3 openers sounds perfect.


Shake n Bake

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5