Introduction
Want to expand the wiring of your garage? But not sure about the materials you can use?
So can i use pvc conduit in garage?
Yes, PVC conduits can be used in garages. It can be both exposed or inside the drywall. But some safety measures need to be maintained. Turn off the power before starting the wiring. The wiring process is complex but can be done.
Want to know more about installing PVC conduits inside garages? Can it be done or how can it be done? Find out everything right in this article.
Can PVC Conduit be Used Inside Garage?
Yes, PVC conduits can undoubtedly be used inside garages. Conduits can be used inside garages to extend from one outlet to another. You can even hang fixtures over workbenches or install new ceiling light fixtures.
You can do all that with PVC conduits. But remember that your existing circuit might not be enough for the extensions. So installing new electronics depends more on your power supply than PVC.
PVC conduits are very convenient. PVC fittings of different shapes and corners can be found easily.
Installing PVC inside your garage is easy. You can cut and install PVC conduits and have wiring through them quickly.
16 Easy Steps for Wiring PVC Conduits in Your Garage
The wiring process is a little challenging. And will take multiple days to complete. And the cost of the whole project will range from $100 to $300.
And before you can actually get to work, you will need to plan out the whole system. And don’t forget to gather the necessary tools as well.
Instructions
Once you have the whole system planned and the tools gathered, you can get to work.
Step 1:Glueing the Adapters to the Conduit
Start by cutting the conduit and removing any burr. Now place the glue inside the pvc conduit and press down the adapter. Wait till the glue sets in.
Step 2:Locking Conduit to Boxes
The conduit should stay in place. But don’t forget to place the screws in place. Locknuts are crucial.
Step 3: Securing the Conduit With a Strap
Hold the anchor in place and start driving the screwdriver into it. Move the strap if you do not hit a stud. Add a screw in the drywall anchor and screw the anchor.
Step 4: Making Sure the Power is Off
Safety is absolute. Use a non voltage tester near each wire to ensure no power is coming through.
Make sure the circuit breaker of the outlet is turned off as well. Using the voltage tester is just an extra safety measure you can do.
Extra safety measures might be required if the garage is built over power lines.
Step 5:Measuring the Conduit
Place the new box your you want it and measure the distance from the current box. Subtract half an inch from the male adapter to find out the required length of the conduit.
Step 6: Mounting the Next Box
Elongate the conduit between the two boxes. Hold them at the level and make marks of the two holes behind the second box.
Now place the drywall anchor in the marked spot. With the anchor in place, you can mount the box.
Step 7: Marking the Vertical Conduit
Now hold together a 90-degree bend against the conduit. Place it on the ceiling and mark the upper side of the electric box on the conduit. Lessen ¼ inches and cut the conduit.
Make sure you do not mess with the garage heater, vertical or horizontal.
Step 8: Pushing Wires Into the Conduit
Hand the spool of wire on a dowel to spin it easily. Bend the edge of the wires over. This will allow the edges from catching inside the fitting. Now get them through the conduit.
Step 9: Attaching the Outlets to the Raised Cover
Start preparing the outlet for mounting by breaking off the ears and cutting screw holes. Attach the mount to the raised cover that comes with the device screws.
Make sure all the boxes are grounded. Because PVC does not conduct current, you will need to use a different ground wire.
Step 10: Cutting Access Holes
First cut a hole in the middle. It will help get the snip started. Try using a small saw drill to snip out the circle.
Step 11: Connecting In-line Fixture
Time to hand the other fixture. Have the conduit attached to it. This step is a little challenging.
Inserting straight runs of conduits between fixtures already placed is difficult.
Step 12: Connecting Parallel Fixtures
Now you will be connecting a 90-degree bend to a length of the conduit. The second fixture will need the installation of a 90-degree bend on it.
Keep the PVC conduit steady with the connected bend in place. Note the conduit and cut it to that length.
Step 13: Grounding the Light Fixture
Time to install a ground screw to the light fixture. You will be looping the grounding wires surrounding it.
Step 14: Connecting the Fixture Wires
You will need to know which one is the neutral wire, the ground wire, and the hot wire. Strip the edges of the new wires.
Now connect the wires accordingly. The fixtures of neutral wire will need to be connected to the neutral wire. The colored fixture wire should be connected to the black wires.
Step 15: Installing the Cover
One of the final steps in installing the lights is to install the covers. Make sure that the circuit breaker is turned off. Check the wires using a noncontract voltage tester as well.
Step 16: Wiring the Existing Box
The final step is to connect the newly installed conduit to the old box’s wiring properly. If not done properly you will not get power to the new box from the old one.
Wire the outlet and the switches properly as well. Use a garage wiring diagram to make the job easier.
FAQs
Can you use flexible conduit in a garage?
Flexible conduits are permitted in garages. It can be either concealed or exposed or both in drywall. But it must not be in any risky location from which it can cause hazards or be damaged. Safety must be ensured.
When should you not use PVC conduit?
PVC conduits are not allowed in super hot temperatures. Any place where the ambient temperature might exceed 50°C or 122°F is not safe for PVC conduits. It is not permitted to install PVC conduits in such environments as well.
Can you use PVC conduit with metal boxes?
Yes, PVC conduits can be used with metal boxes. A method of using them together is to cement a slip or male thread connector with the edge of the PVC conduit. Then put this inside the box and fasten it using a 1” lock nut.
Conclusion
Now we know the answer to can i use pvc conduit in garage. You most certainly can. Conduits are great for wiring in your garage.
Follow our instructions to install PVC conduits in your garage.
Good Luck!
