Need advice, installing new outlet for garage door opener please

[canfossi]

I am going to install an outlet for a future garage door opener. My question is; I have 5 outlets on a 15 amp breaker (that's all that's on this circuit), can I just add one more outlet to this same circuit or do I need the garage door opener to be a seperate 15 amp circuit? Thanks. Chris

[DAVID In Wisconsin]

In my garage it would be on the same circuit unless, I planned on using lots of power on the other five outlets while running the garage door up and down for giggles!

[nadja]

Keep in mind a couple of things here. One, how much power is going to appliances etc at any given time when you would use the opener ? Also, the opener is also a motor, and they generally have a large starting surge. I will presume it is a hard start motor, as most are and can be very power hungry , if only for a minute or so. What is your wire size going to the circuit you would be adding on to ? That can also be a major issue. If it is feasable to run a seperate wire and breaker for the opener, it would be wise to do so.

[rambler]

I think they recommend/ require it has it's own curcit. I'm sure many across the country end up being on shared curits.

This is someting you want to work pretty dependably, not give you troubles.

As an electric motor starts up, it pulls 3 or more times it's rated amps. That can get you pretty close to 12 or more amps of draw - maybe not today when new, but let the track get a little dusty, the chain old and stiff, and the motor a little wear on it - the draw goes up.

What else is on those 5 plugins already on this line?

If at all possible, be a lot happier running a seperate line.

--->Paul

[canfossi]

I very rarely use the 5 outlets that are on the circuit, basically nothing would be using power when the garage door is going up or down. The whole wire run including up the the garage door outlet maybe 65 feet max. 14/2 is the type that's there. Thanks Chris

[VaFarmer]

your 15a circuit is adaquate, you can have up to 8 fixtures on 1 line. Garage should be a GFCI circuit, either a breaker or 1st outlet in the run is a GFCI. If GFCI is outlet type and older than 10 yrs replace it with a new unit, ( and not the $2 one's, buy a good name brand GFCI outlet), motor will not trip it. Anchor your wire as you run it, make all splices inside a box and either staple the wire or use grommet and hookup up all your ground wires and screws. The only appliance that needs to be on a designated circuit is the micowave.

[VaFarmer]

O s--t your in Canada------- you have different electrical code and different colored wire insulation, I still don't understand what you guys use the blue wire for? I've sean boxes where it's a hot wire and others that use it for the common? Call a local handyman or electrician and see if you can get some free advise. Don't callthe building inspection dept. they may want to come out & take a look....opps.

[canfossi]

Okay, thanks everyone!

I assume since it's going to be a receptacle to plug the door opener into , that it's going to be in the ceiling close to the opener motor . I also assume you have attic space above that area & probably already have a wire & box up there that you can tap into . If my assumptions are correct , that is what I would do .

[Ohiogal]

Whatever you do, put a surge protector on the receptacle where you plug the door opener in. I've had lightening knock out my garage door openers. The last time, it just fried the surge protector.