Overhead Outlets

[mountainbreeze]

Has anyone here installed outlets in the ceiling of their workshop with dropdown pigtails that would allow you to plug in powered hand tools. I was thinking it may be convenient at times to not have cords on the floor - especially for something like a sander where you are moving the tool back and forth.

[dusty]

It was strongly advised when I had the electrical done in my new garage shop but I resisted. I an now thinking very seriously about bringing the electrician back to give me two or three drop cords.

I am considering this even though I have eight duplex outlet boxes around the garage (about 20'x20').

[redleg]

I have four 1"x4" 45° braced boards coming down from the ceiling with a 4" box on each in a 24'x30' shop. You can plug 4 cords in each one. They are about 6 inches above my head with one in each area where I thought I wanted major tools. I also have outlets every ten feet around the perimeter of the shop with a couple extra thrown in behind the bench. The only issue I have had is sometimes you may have to reorient a tool to cut a wide board or plywood because the cord may be in the way.

[Hobbyman2]

Agree, or the cord is 3in too short and ya still have to use wall plugs lol

Like anything else handy to have when ya need them .

[heathicus]

My ceiling is pretty low - about 7.5' in the center of a 12'x24' building. I put 4 outlets in the ceiling and they are the most used outlets in my shop.

[Ed in Tampa]

I have a 2.5 ft drop cord in the center of my garage. I use it all the time. Mostly plug in my dust collector or shop vac for the ability to reach whole garage for clean up.

I find the idea of encircling the garage/workshop with outlets a waste. I want outlets by my work bench, by my stationary tools and one near my Shopsmith but to have them everywhere seems like a waste.

I use extension cords and have some in various lengths. All are 10 or 12 gauge wire and are 10ft - 25 ft long. This allows me to have electricity anywhere I need it in the garage without having a bunch of wire laying on the floor as trip hazards.

[berry]

I have one dedicated 15 amp circuit with a 1.5' drop cord centered in my 12 x 14 shop. I use it all the time, especially for the SS.

[mountainbreeze]

Do you use a twist-lock connector at the ceiling?

[JPG]

Do you use a twist-lock connector at the ceiling?

I would recommend that. And an adapter (both directions).

[ChrisNeilan]

I wish I thought of this when I ran my power. Would have been very handy.