How To Add A New Circuit | 20 Amp Circuit In The Garage

In this home improvement video I'm going to show you how to add a new circuit in your garage. I was having issues with the breaker tripping when my air compressor would kick on. So, I added a 20 amp circuit in the garage in addition to my existing 15 amp circuit. This is an essential home improvement for a workshop.
For this install, I need to install a GFCI outlet, a new outlet, 12/2 wiring, and installing a 20 amp circuit breaker. I had to cut and repair drywall and run electrical wire from my basement to my attic, to my garage.
For this you will need to work inside the electrical box and you will need in install an new breaker. Working with electricity is dangerous. If you are uncomfortable, call an electrician.
Welcome to How I Do Things DIY! Subscribe for more videos like this!
Amazon Associates Links
Fish Tape-amzn.to/3yKXaEL
Ridgid Hammer Drill- amzn.to/2ROajwe
Dewalt Sawsall- amzn.to/3yKJF7X
Milwaukee drill- amzn.to/3c4uHzX
Music Provided by Tyler M. Check out his Channel!
/ @tyler_m_tunes
Webpage
howidothingsdiy.com/
Instagram
/ howidothingsdiy
Facebook
/ howidothingsdiy
Video Chapters
00:00- Intro
01:10- Pull Permits & Turn Off Power
01:16- Run Wire From Breaker Box To Garage
03:18- Fish Wire To Attic
03:55- Cut Out Old Outlet Box
04:23- Cut Hole For New Outlet
05:07- Fish Wire From Attic To Garage
06:11- Install New Boxes & Outlets
09:05- Install New 20AMP Breaker & Connect Wire
11:15- Label New Circuit & Turn Power Back On
11:29- Test
11:42- Blooper
#diyelectrical
#newcircuit
#howidothingsdiy
#circuitbreaker

[@Hutchison04]

Man, I would've never considered uprating my outlet in the garage solo, but after watching this it gives me the confidence to take this on. Thanks for stepping us through this. Totally doable.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I'm glad it helped you!

[@dabneyoffermein595]

did you have success doing it solo? like were you in fear of part of the main panel up toward the top being hot? I don't even think mine has those protector blocks up there where the mains come in. I guess you just have to proceed with caution.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Other than swapping out a breaker, I have not personally done the work in the panel solo because I have Sparky as a friend. The top part of the panel is always hot. As long as you know that and you avoid it your ok.

[@Sparky-vm3ji]

Love the video! I try doing things myself and tackel new projects and always turn to KZbin as a reference to start. Great vid! Keep up the work!! Very informative!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thanks! I couldn't have done it without Sparky! He's the best!

[@ipeteagles]

thanks Sparky! excellent vid

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@sparky 1911 is the greatest!

[@DIMTips]

Nice video. Kept it really simple and easy to do

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thanks, that's what I was hoping for!

[@RLLWoodworks]

I was searching for how to do this and what do you know I stumbled upon my buddy Travis with a super sweet video on just the topic I needed.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Haha, enjoy!

[@SinnisjInsulator]

Good stuff man. Always tough to run your own wiring especially if you have to fish it a long way.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Ya, it is, but so worth it!

[@BigBoiBalu]

Thanks bro, installing a 20amp for a XL freeze drier. This helped reaffirm my confidence and saftey. Have a good one 🖖 or I'll just call enbridge for $100

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No problem 👍

[@rhtservicesllc]

2:26 The wire should have been ran over that metal duct instead under. It also shouldn't be in direct contact as that duct gets hot when the furnace is running.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thanks for pointing that out and thanks for the add. I really appreciate it!

[@LincolnsCreationsandRentals]

Want to come run some in my basement for my tools, I could use one or two more? Best part is my box is in the workshop already, not far to go.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Hahaha. Only if I can bring Sparky.

[@crossnicholson2121]

I don't believe you pulled the short straw, you're so thankful now your sparky helping you more more than glad to leave him while you went in the attic

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Very true! Sparky is the best!

[@crossnicholson2121]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY hey thanks for the video I really appreciate it

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Glad I could help!

[@shafi10a]

How do you know which bus to attach the ground and the neutral? Do they both screw onto the same bus?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

In a main panel, the neutrals and grounds are all bonded together, or all connected so it doesn't matter where or which side to land the neutral and ground.

[@mavrosyvannah]

Disappointed. I was hoping for close up, slow details, less guitar, more charts or close up line to load hook up. And shots of the house dog playing fetch. Lol

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Hahaha. I'm sorry about that. I wish there was a way to go back and update the video, but there really isn't. Thanks for the comment.

[@johnqcitizen3339]

Thanks for the video, do you own stock in romex?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Haha. No. But I use a ton of it.

[@ComicKish]

12/2 wire is good for 20 amps guy had home depot said get 10/2

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Yup. 12/2 if perfect for 20amp circuits.

[@issaciams]

But how do you do this for a bedroom? How do you get the wire from bedroom to the breaker box if the distance is like 50 feet?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

What exactly do you want to do? Do you want to just add another outlet or two, or do you need an entirely new circuit?

[@outlet6989]

Please do not take offense. My comments are just what I think concerning your video. I use an electric multi-function saw for cutting drywall. Both my table saw and air compressor allow 120/240-volt installation. I went for 240 volts. That requires using 12-3 with ground wire. I also use a metal workbox attached to a wall stud. The 220-volt recepiticle must be rated for 20amp service and has a four-pin plug. Wire cable clamps, where the wires enter the service box, are required. Pushing the wire without using them is a sure way to chaff them. When I installed my 20amp outlet, I put it on its own line to the circuit box. About your helper: I would never have a helper named Sparky when doing electric work.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No offense taken! My helper, "Sparky" is a master election and made sure everything is to code. Thanks again for the comments!

[@mikehendrix6558]

I see your helper now. Lol

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Yup! He was a huge help later in the video.

[@x-man4702]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. Quick question: how did you mount the air hose reel to the drywall without a any wood or metal support?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Just lag bolts into the studs.

[@x-man4702]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY But aren't the bracket bolt holes wider than the 2x4 ?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I think they were just slightly staggered, but I know I was able to hit the stud. Sorry, It's hard to remember. It has been up for like 4 years. You could also attach a mounting board that spans two joists and then attached it to that.

[@x-man4702]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY Thanks, that's the alternative. But I prefer to have it mounted without the board so that it looks cleaner. I also thought about going behind the drywall (I can access it through the crawlspace) and screw in a couple of 2x4s across and then attach the hose reel without a mounting board so that it looks like yours.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@x-man4702 I just went out and took a look. I just used lag bolts on the one side. I haven't had any issues. My second choice would be to just use a wooden mounting piece. But I can't get behind the wall. Your idea would be the cleanest but also the most work.

[@beauepperson2641]

I wanna see a video on how to fish it from the basement up to the attic

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I touched on that a little bit but I didn’t go into great detail. Basically, find an inconspicuous location to cut holes in the drywall. I used a laundry room closet. Then cut a square hole near the top and bottom of the wall. Then drill through the bottom and top plate through the holes. Then use a fish tape to fish it through. Here is the video where I repaired the drywall. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6CbpZl_lsSVmJI

Now all you need is a step ladder... and to tuck that hot wire back a little more

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thanks for the tips and for watching!

[@mikeakaspike]

So why didn't you just pull the old romex to make room for the 20 amp line and avoid drilling more holes?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

It's stapled inside of the walls. I would have had to remove the drywall. Thanks for the comment!

[@mikeakaspike]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY Ah! Gotta love when prior work gets in the way!

[@keithharrington4595]

Two tips: 1). On your wire pull... Neatly place the wire on the floor in the basement to prevent tangles and do not pull your loop tight until you have pulled enough wire. Leave enough hang down to reach from the floor (to prevent moving the ladder). 2). Use a plug in GFCI tester to test your recepticles on the circuit (GFCI and load recepticles individually). They actually install a ground fault condition on the circuit. There is some debate it the GFCI test button actually installs a ground fault to test the sensor or simply removes power. Think of it like a circuit breaker.....if you open it, breakers remove power, but if there was an actual short circuit, the breaker would trip to protect the circuit. I do not recommend anyone short circuit your circuits to test your breakers, but the plug in GFCI tester tests the sensing, sensing, ( intentionally written 2x) and the trip function of your GFCI.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Those are two great tips! Thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.

[@russ9983]

Thats 12 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Well, thanks for struggling through it and the comment! If you hated that one, you're REALLY going to hate this brand new, higher quality version of this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2nTaHhoaN6snJosi=JrX9sB7t7YgERHmP

[@vtecaccord96]

Man I enjoyed this video. I want to redo my garage and add some electrical boxes but my main issue is that my basement is finished. Guess I have to cut a bunch of holes to fish the wire.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Ya, not much else you can do. Is the ENTIRE ceiling finished or is here an area you could route the wiring?

[@vtecaccord96]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY yup the entire ceiling is finished. The area where the panel is exposed but everything else is finished. What joy.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Yeah, that makes it tough. I have an unfinished side, but even my finished side just has painted floor joists. If you get a long, flexible drill bit, you should be able to go through a few at a time. Unless you get lucky and you are running the wire parallel to the floor joists.

[@vtecaccord96]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY nope they are going the other direction. Gonna be a major job whenever it is time unless I can tape off one end and pull more wires through.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I wish you the best of luck!

[@seahawksforever9504]

It doesn't matter if the white wire and ground wire is connected on the same line?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Can you please let me know where in the video you see this? I'm having a hard time answering your question. Thanks!

[@proddarunner]

I like the fish pole thing, never used one before. If this was truly a "how to" video you should spend a little more time how you install the new elec. box, wires to the outlet and the wires to the breaker.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

You're probably right. This was a high level how-to. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching.

[@addminusDIY]

Im not sure if im seeing it right, Did you double tap those neutral? Code violation?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thanks for the comment. Which part of the video are you referring to? I'm sure I can clear it up. Sparky is a master electrician, and I can assure you, I don't take shortcuts, and I don't want to live in a home that doesn't meet code.

[@addminusDIY]

When he was connecting the white wire to the neutral bus, i see ground wire in same bus, im not sure if i see it right. Neutral bus, double tap white. But he is master so i respect

[@thomaskehoe1473]

Probably a dumb newbie type question here, but aren't those outlets that are being installed only rated at 15 amps? I though that all 20 amp outlets had the small horizontal slot with the large vertical one. Yes, no?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

You're correct! You don't need to use them for your 20 amp circuit but you can if you have something that requires them. They are a fair amount more expensive. My issue was that 2-3 tools on the same circuit were causing it to trip.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Awesome add. Thank you.

[@javamochafrap]

You should cover the process and fees of Pulling Permits. What is involved and where to go and how much, etc

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

That's a good call. I'll try to do that in future videos. The only issue is that it varies from state to state.

[@13Voodoobilly69]

@@HowIDoThingsDIYAgreed. Permits vary so wildly from state to state and even city/county variations would imply incorrect info if you tried.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Yup. I can't cover everything, but feel free to ask questions. If I don't know the answer, I'll find out the answer.

[@maryhoskins2443]

How do I install a 30 amp surface mount power outlet four wires for a dryer

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I haven't done that, but I'm sure there are other videos out on KZbin that can help you. Sorry.

[@maryhoskins2443]

For four wires

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@@maryhoskins2443 Yes, I'm sorry, I don't have a video for that

[@michaelnieves4089]

Just out of curiosity why did you install 15 amp outlets ?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I could have but I don't have anything that requires 20amp. I just have several things with a decent draw that combined would trip the old circuit. Thanks for the question!

[@jwilson1484]

Technically by code if it’s more than 1 outlet, you can use 15a receptacles on a 20a circuit. Still, you should have used 5-20R receptacles to quickly identify this as a 20a circuit.

[@sidmyth8657]

Did he power off the main breaker, before adding the new 20 Amp breaker to the panel?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I don't think so. I'm told that is a pretty standard practice for professionals. That being said, I would highly recommend shutting off the power to the box if possible.

[@barryweissburg6384]

Is the gfci rated for 20 amps?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No. All the outlets are 15 amp. It's a 20 amp circuit, so I can plug more than one thing into different outlets at the same time that draw a lot of power. This is 100% to code. Thanks for the comment.

[@barryweissburg6384]

@@HowIDoThingsDIYSo even though the breaker and wire are rated for 20 amps, even if one of the outlets were an actual 125v 20 amp receptacle, if you had say a lathe drawing 19 amps on start up, would the gfci trip? Assuming no other load.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No, it shouldn't trip. Usually, I have an air compressor and a miter saw on that circuit. Combined, they get close to 20amp.

[@Edit_the_edit]

Never use an underrated outlet... you should use 20 with 20, you can use a 20 a outlet on a 15 amp breaker but not revered.... spend the $3 and be smart about it ...

[@jn1mrgn]

I may not be an expert on power electrical wiring, but I've done enough CAT5 to not wrap it around a duct. Pretty amateur....

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

There is nothing wrong with it. It's personal preference. I had my master electrician making sure everything was up to code. Thanks for the comment!

[@mark97213]

Although it's pretty easy, you probably should have shown the actual connection order on the outlet itself.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

True. Sorry I didn't capture that. Thanks for watching!

[@Keeps-]

Yes if you can make a video of wiring it up even if it’s the same one . It will help !

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

@@Keeps- I do have a video describing how to install an LED outlet that may be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYLElmZmrd-kq6s

[@furiousmojo1]

At 3:03. Did you seriously run your wire underneath a heating duct? Looks sloppy my friend.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Yup! Thanks for the comment.

[@joe1071]

You had to pull a permit for this??

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I do even for stuff like this. Depends on your area. It's always better safe than sorry.

[@paulzedeck7448]

This may have already been noted in the comments BUT it is important enough to mention again. A time stamp 8:24 in the video we clearly see a NON GFI outlet being installed. For garage, basements, outdoor areas, or any area where water may be present a GFI outlet is required by code. This is an important safety device in these areas so make sure you follow local electrical code!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

There are two outlets in this circuit. I added the one you're referring to and then replaced the one by the air compressor 7:27 . The one by the compressor is GFCI and protects the entire circuit. Thanks for mentioning this and for the comment.

[@Windhover551]

I think you could leave the 15amp outlet alone and disconnect it inside the panel and connect it to a 20amp slot.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I guess, as long as you are using 12/2.

[@Patrick94GSR]

no, they had to change it to a GFCI receptacle.

[@martyrosengarten3936]

I thought the neutral bar is always on the right and the ground bar is on the left.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I honestly can't tell you that this box is the only one I'm familiar with.

[@BrosWildAdventures]

Why didn’t he remove the old wires going back to the electrical box. He could then have easily snaked the new 20 amp wire using the old wire’s channel.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Thanks for watching! The old wires were properly stapled to the framing and would have been nearly impossible to remove. The wire is completely disconnected at both ends and capped just to be extra safe.

[@brianstoner5597]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY Was wondering why you didn't just hook up the new wire to the the old and then just pull it back, but if it's stapled, that answers that.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Oh ya, stapled per code. That wire wouldn't come out unless I rip the drywall off.

[@mikehendrix6558]

I saw your Belly Button. Lol

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

You're welcome. Hahaha

[@elliotmatel5158]

Easier than I thought.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

First step is trying!

[@SamChaneyProductions]

Thanks for this. My microwave keeps tripping the breaker so I think I'm going to make a new dedicated 20A circuit just for it so it won't share with appliances in the kitchen and laundry room

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Sounds good! Thanks for watching.

[@dabneyoffermein595]

yes, all codes say you have to have a dedicated circuit for the Microwave now. For example, you don't want the Microwave tapping into a 120v portion of the 240v going to your built-in oven. Some ovens are even wired with 8/3 (no ground) prior to 1996... but should be replaced with 8/3 w/ground romex. It does cost a lot for the 8/3 w/ground Romex and the 12/2 Romex for the microwave and breakers and outlets because of copper costs (make sure not to run aluminum). But makes for a safer oven and microwave circuit. pulling wires down from the attic is not fun especially when the main panel is on an outside wall and you're dealing with a sloped roof with nails staring at you. You have to somehow get that Romex down to the main panel and it's even harder if your garage is drywall and the breaker panel doesn't have any outside chase (all in the drywall). And if the previous 8/3 no ground Romex is somewhat stuck , you can't use it for puller wire. Talk about a bear. Probably 30 to 40 foot runs in my case so not as bad as really, really long runs. I'm probably looking at 200 dollars just for the 40' 8/3 w/ground Romex and under half of that for the 12/2 (just a guess). But should I change the oven from direct wire to outlet wiring?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Wow, very detailed explanation. Thank you for adding your knowledge to the discussion!

[@keithharrington4595]

Give care here. If your microwave sits on a counter top, code says it needs to be GFCI protected also.

[@milo6373]

If microwave already has cord/ plug , id go with 20 amp GFCI outlet...

[@klinkster1955]

Instead of drilling new holes why didn't you just run it down your main beam?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Good question. I wanted it tucked up out of the way. Just personal preference, I guess. I made the holes big enough that I'll be able to use them later to run more wire to a future room at the back of the basement.

[@djjammindave]

HOW TO SEE ME AND MY FRIEND ADD SOMETHING TO THE ELECTRIC BOX SO I CAN PLUG THINGS IN THE GARAGE...

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Yup! Except "Sparky" is a master electrician. Thanks for the comment!

[@dvasq1033]

You are not showing the critical part of doing the connections. How to wire the outlet boxes with one another.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Sorry I didn't show that. Thanks for the comment.

[@mikehendrix6558]

Thought you had help?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

He helped later in the video. I ran wire ahead of time to save his time.

[@michael7324]

That looks like a 15Amp receptacle.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

You're correct. My goal is to have several larger tools that are all below 15Amp running on this circuit. I do not have a single tool that requires a 20Amp circuit. This is perfectly to code per my master electrician. Thanks for the comment!

[@michael7324]

@@HowIDoThingsDIY Understood. I misunderstood the project. Apologies, I thought you were upgrading to a 20 amp circuit.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

No problem. I did actually upgrade to a 20Amp circuit but more for overall capability, not because I had a piece of equipment that needed a 20Amp circuit/outlet. I could install a 20Amp outlet if I needed to, but they are more expensive and not needed in my situation.

[@joshuawormington2880]

Your master electrician is wasting your wire!!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Hmmm... I didn't notice that.

[@davidfileccia6317]

You need to realize that if we're watching this. We're probably carpenters or something. Lol. You need to show and explain exactly WHERE TO PUT THE WIRES!!! Install the ground. Install the neutral. Install the hot. That don't cut it bro. Way NOT ENOUGH INFO!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I'm working on another wiring video right now that has more details!

[@mrobvious5892]

Get that watch and ring off your hand !!!!!🥴🤦‍♂️

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Don't worry. The ring is gone.

[@armslength2618]

Just listing equipment is meaningless. You have to list the startup and running current draws of each piece of equipment, and of course voltages involved even though that might be implied in this case. If you are grinding through some heavy wood on a hobbyist table saw and the compressor starts up and you're in an area where you're barely getting 119 volts at the panel, even a 20 A circuit might suffer such a voltage drop that the compressor stalls out or the 20A breaker pops. IMO, as you're pulling new cable anyway, you'd be better off to put in 2 new parallel runs of yellow cable and a couple of 20 A circuit breakers. Material costs are usually much less than the labor and trouble involved.

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Great input! Thanks!

[@mmingle57]

Yeh you’re FORTUNATE TO H A V E someone help you!!! I suffer from cancer and severe debilitating physical fusion pain and CAN’T get someone to help if my life DEPENDED ON IT here in 2023!!! Get it life depended on it? Man we’re LIVING in Shameful Disgraceful Sinful, SELFISH GREEDY TIMES these days!!!!! 2023 very very sad!!!! I guess a senior fighting CANCER and Severe Debilitating spinal pain having had my vertebrae removed, doesn’t deserve to have help with putting in a new electric line!!! I didn’t ask for someone to put the line in I was just asking for help!!! Shameful, Disgraceful SINFUL Times we’re living in 2023!!!!

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

I'm sorry for your situation. If I lived near you, I would come help!

[@bobhope1234p]

Your not explaining everything your doing. This video is useless to someone who is trying to learn

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Ok. Thanks.