Shopsmith Forums

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.

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').

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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