Ceiling outlets

i have 4 outlets in my ceiling used to plug in light fixtures and 1 retractable cord reel i use alot so its not allways hanging in my face . i choose oulet vs hardwiring in case i decided to move the fixtures a bit . if you decide you do want the cords hanging down over each machine make short cords and plug then in. ive also have air line drops in different places from the ceiling down to within reach but above my head . i have 4 – 4 foot fixtures and 2 windows and still need more light .

-- rick

I have always liked short cords hanging just above head level. Just around the work bench area for easy access.

-- Lynn "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right". Henry Ford

After having 2 other shops with no electrical other than a couple of light fixtures. I put outlets in the ceiling of my new shop. See my blog The Electrical Journey http://lumberjocks.com/Gregn/blog/22162 this was done in anticipation of possible needed task lighting, air filtration system and for the retractable overhead cord that will be above the work bench for short corded tools. Granted you may not need as many outlets as I have, but you may see a need for 2-3 later on down the road. Its easier now than later when you may find yourself scratching your head and saying I wish I would have put them in now.

-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg

In my old shop we didnt have ceiling outlets, we had boxes ith pig tails on them. This was very handy for plugging in sanders over the assembly table. They are also hany for plugging in machines that are not near a wall. Just make sure you use twist locks

-- Owner of custom millwork shop

I have two 4 plug outlets on my ceiling. One over my workbench and one in the middle of my work area.

-- Bill - "Freedon flies in your heart like an Eagle" Audie Murphy

I have two outlets in the ceiling (one over each of my main benches). Love them.

When sanding, the cord moves gracefullly out of the way.

When using my circ saw to break down ply, I don’t get hung up on the cord.

When routing, I can flip the router around and use whichever side is convenient since the cord stays clear.

Oh.. and on those messy days? The ceiling outlets are NEVER blocked with something else I put down…

Highly recommend it.

-- Laziness minus Apathy equals Efficiency

I use my garage as my shop. I have disconnected one of the garage door openers and use that ceiling plug for my dust collector. I also had a second plug put in for my air filter. That’s 2 and counting. I don’t want to plug my machinery into my 9 foot ceiling plugs as I am too short to reach the plugs ;-)
I think they are very useful for certain things… like what stays plugged in permanently. If you move your tools around as I do, wall plugs work better, in my humble opinion.

-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

I have 3 ceiling out lets, use them a lot. I’m in the middle of a shop renovation as we speak. My plan will expand ceiling outlets to 5. I’ll have 10 4’ 2 tube lights in a 20 X 30 with 3 windows.

-- Don, North Carolina,http://www.ncdon.com " A sharp blade & a tuned saw= happiness"

I have 15 outlets in my shop ceiling. One for every light. I also have a 110 and a 220 outlet every 8 FT on the walls, in my 24×48 shop. I have never wished I had an outlet where there wasn’t one.

-- mike & judy western md. www. pvwoodcrafts.com pvwccf1@verizon.net

I have outlets in my ceiling for my T8 fixtures.
But as all of the outlets are used for the lights I strung copper wire along two of the rafters, hooked shower curtain rings on the wires, extension cord tie wrapped to the shower rings. That way I can move the cord outlet to where I need it over the bench.
9 inch ceilings are just a little too low.

-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.

All of my main task power is overhead I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way..

-- Steve, The Hill Country, TX; www.themillworkguys.com

Larry, I’ve “retrofitted” several areas in prior houses and just completed my first stand alone shop building and wouldn’t be without ceiling outlets. I don’t often leave something plugged in but do hang retractable cord reels from the ceiling. I adjust the cord so it hangs above my head but within easy reach. They are VERY handy and eliminate the need to run drop cords which become trip hazards. I also have two retractable air hoses ceiling mounted. All very handy.

Wow

From the responses I’ve gotten I’m going to put outlets in my ceiling. This is great so many great ideas i never thought about. As Greg said it will be easier to install them now than to do it later.
My initial thought if I put any in it would be 2 or 3, now looking at my plans I can see a dozen or more and a couple of circuits.

Thanks to you all.

-- "When the going gets tough, switch to power tools." - Red Green

Hi Larry,

Yes to the ceiling outlets!

I have both 110, and 220 lines in the ceiling. The 220 go to machines which aren’t mobile, and are wired with about 15’ of 10/3.

Be sure to use strain relief on the cords, as shown in the photos.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

I think ceiling outlets are a must!!! I have 2 rows and wish I had added one more. Make sure you have 110 and 220 in the mix. Also look at a few 30 amp stations as well. I have 2 pieces of equipment that require 30 amps.
I just put in a box and hard wire the 30’s.

I have a 30 by 36 shop with 3 rows of 2 tube 8’ fixtures. There are 4 fixtures in each row. It seems to be plenty of light. Always install 6500K bulbs for the best light. It also depends on how your shop is painted and what the floor looks like. If you have a plain concrete floor and unpainted walls or ceiling you will need a lot more.

Les

-- Stay busy....Stay young