AW Extra 12/12/13 – Suspended Outlet

Suspended Outlet

This is one of my favorite shop upgrades.By
adding this suspended outlet over my work
area I always have electricity close at hand.
It sure beats running an extension cord
across the floor and getting my feet tangled
in it. This suspended outlet is
not difficult to install, but be
sure to follow local building
codes and use a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI), if required.

If you have any doubts, hire a
licensed electrician.

The components include:

• a metal electrical box

• a box cover with a center
knock-out

• a strain-relief cord connector

• a section of stranded-wire
electrical cord

• a cord receptacle.

All of these parts can be
purchased at a home center or
hardware store for about $15. If
you’re hooking into a 20-amp
circuit, use 12-3 stranded-wire
electrical cord and a 20-amprated
plug. If you’re hooking
into a 15-amp circuit, use 14-3
stranded-wire electrical cord
and a 15-amp-rated plug. I
installed my outlet so the plug
end is about 6 ft.off the floor
so I don’t bump my head
on it.