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?
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).
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.
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.
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.
ground to the left or ground to the right on the opener receps?
Dnk..
1 dedicated circuit for the 3 openers sounds perfect.