Constructing a detached garage cam creates more than enough storage space.
However, there are several things to check out before you select a specific place to install the garage.
Taking caution before installing a detached garage will help ensure safety for yourself, people who might enter the garage, and the items stored in it.
Among the many things you consider is the position of power lines.
So, Can You Place A Detached Garage Under Power Lines?
You can confidently put a detached garage under power lines, but you have to consider the minimum clearance space. Primarily, the minimum clearance should be 8 feet. However, depending on the slope of the roof and the voltage of the power lines, this clearance minimum can be lowered. For instance, if the roof has a 4/12 slope or more and the wires have a voltage of about 300 volts, the distance can be lowered to 3 feet.
Electricity can be dangerous when handled carelessly. Building structures too close to a power line can be disastrous in case of an electrical accident. To be safe, it’s better to always adhere to clearance regulations.
This post covers more about structures under power lines and how to supply power in your detached garage.
How Much Clearance In Needed And Why?
There are strict guidelines on the space that should be left beneath overhead power lines.
Generally, a distance of at least 7.6 meters from the ground is recommended.
If you erect a structure that a person can stand on, then the structure should not exceed 3.1 meters high.
Typically, coming into contact with overhead lines can be dangerous.
Letting the power lines contact structures, especially metallic structures, can be harmful too.
The overhead electrical conductors are normally uninsulated; if they get in close contact with objects, current can flow.
This can likely cause severe burns or fatal shock to nearby people.
If you have a detached garage and power lines get in contact with the roof, a fire accident can occur that might burn all your stored items.
This generates a big loss, especially if the items are of great value.
High-voltage equipment produces many electric fields, making the nearby conductors acquire static charge.
When such conductors are touched, the current flows, causing an electric shock, which can be life-threatening if the victim is not attended to for prompt first aid.
For instance, if a car is parked near power lines, it can pick up voltage from the cables and will split apart when touched.
If your detached garage has metallic frames or sides and is under power lines, there is a high risk of electric shock.
To lower such risks, you can have your detached garage built and framed with non-conductors.
Three Things Before Providing Power To A Detached Garage
You will need a separate power supply system to power a detached garage.
Even though you can run a few power extensions from the main house to the outside of a detached garage, this method will not sustainably power the new detached garage.
For this reason, it is better to get your detached garage powered appropriately. However, before you tackle wiring in your garage, it is important to consider the following.
1. The Number Of Outlets Needed
The power outlets need to be placed at least 6 feet apart and 4 inches from the ground.
You may prefer putting the outlets near the area where you will put a working bench, and another outlet at the ceiling, for lighting.
2. Whether You Are Installing A Garage Door Opener
This will help you determine the type of wire to use. For instance, if you are installing a garage door, you should use a 12-gauge cable.
This standard cable will supply power to the door opener without experiencing shortages.
3. Where You Plan To Put A Workbench
There should be at least one outlet near the working bench.
However, some people may decide not to have a workbench at all but only put an outlet on the ceiling for lighting.
How Can You Run Power To A Detached Garage?
1. Set The Electrical Box
Place your electrical boxes in the exact studs.
If you want to use the surface-mounted receptacles, start by measuring where they will go and mark them with a pencil before placing them in the electrical box.
2. Drill Holes In The Studs
Drill holes where you will run cables to save time when bringing in electricity.
Be sure to drill the holes close to the framing as possible. You will have to run all your cables here at the frame.
While placing the cables, ensure you do not adhere them to flat walls or random joists.
3. Run The Cables Through The Box
To effectively run the wires, pass them in one box before moving to the next boxes.
Strip the cables at least 8 inches by sheathing off the cables. Afterward, thread the cables with 1 ½ inches of sheathing through the wires opening the box.
When you follow the electrical codes, you will have to hold all wires at least1 ¼ inches away from the surface of joists or studs.
In most cases, you will have to run two cables side by side, but if you have to add an extra cable, it is good to use stacker staples to secure the wires correctly.
Afterward, staple the untwisted cables outside the box at least 4 feet spacing to the side frames until you get to the next box.
Apply the same method to all the boxes.
4. Run The Wires Along Gables Beams And Corners
Pass the power cables around the garage leading to every box by appropriately stapling them at an interval of at least 48 inches.
Pull the cables around beams and gables so that they can fit tight along. This is vital if you want to install drywall on top of it.
One good thing about keeping cables tight is that it keeps them well organized and neat in appearance.
5. Install Conduits
If you are running wires on flat walls where there are no joists or frames, you will have to protect the cables with conduits.
The conduit serves as a cover for the open wires and also ensures that all cables are secured in the right fitting.
Before testing the power, ensure all wires are in their rightful places and cap the ends with a faceplate.
You can also screw the GFCI receptacles and clean up the working space. At this point, you can plug in a light bulb or a power machine to see if power is flowing.
Conclusion
Setting up a detached garage on your property can be beneficial. If you need a functional, detached garage, you should power it.
Consider the steps above and have your detached garage well-powered. When setting up a garage, there are powerlines passing above; make sure you follow clearance regulations.
Sources
https://www.labc.co.uk/news/dangers-working-underneath-overhead-power-lines
