Receptacles in crawl space

Jim,

Are you wiring in some new receptacles, some new lights or new lights to existing receptacles?

Some crawl spaces can be damp, so check that your fixtures are listed for installation in damp locations.

If you're installing receptacles in a crawl space that is at or below grade level, they will need to be ground fault protected.

Hi Tom! Thanks for replying. The crawl space only has one receptacle for the sump pump and is worn badly so I'll be replacing that receptacle along with adding new receptacles. To be on the safe side I should just go ahead and use GFC outlets? Also would regular 4 foot (or 3 foot not for sure) garage halogen lights work? Thanks again!

Jim

Without knowing more about what else might be connected to the sump pump circuit, you should probably just replace the worn receptacle, preferably with a single (not the usual duplex).

I'd run a new circuit for the lights and/or any other receptacles you plan on installing. The new receptacles will need GFI protection.

I don't believe I've ever seen a 4 foot halogen lamp. Perhaps you're thinking of fluorescent? If you are, many plain jane fluorescent strips happen to be listed for use in a damp location.

Also, if you install just one switch for these lights, it must be near the "usual point of entrance" to the crawlspace.

Tom

Yes tom fluorescent lights were what I was thinking of.

Do you think I should add a new circuit because of the draw of the sump pump or what else might be on it? The only reason I ask is because the way my house is set up it would be really dificult to run a new circuit.

Should I use a GFI for the sump pump receptacle as well?

As far as the placing of the switch won't be a problem the entrance is inside a closet.

Thanks again for all your help Tom

Jim

you might want to check the compatibility with your 4' florescent fixture (luminaire) with a GFCI protected circuit. The usual ballast/tube configuration usually trips a GFCI, when first called upon to discharge and energize (excite) the tube. Be sure the fixture you intend to use is compatible for your intended installation.

On receptacles in general:

http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_article_receptacles/

Some basic info on GFCI receptacles:

http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_gfci_basics/index.html

Some of the cavats of having the sump-pump on a GFCI receptacle without an alternative battery back-up sump with alarm, and cavats about certain florescent fixtures on a GFCI circuit are near the end of this helpful article:

http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_think_gfci/index.html

And some precautions to remember regarding the wiring for a sump-pump in a crawl space or potentially "wet" basement can be found here (second-half of article):

http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_two_cases_two/index.html

keep in mind that the code citations are outdated however on the immediately above article.

Also, not knowing if your conductors are grounded:

http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_replacing_wire_ungrounded/index.html

http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_electricity_water_volatile/index.html

when in doubt, hire a certified and licened electrician.

Good Luck to you.

http://ecmweb.com/mag/electric_threelamp_circuit_tester/

Hope you find this helpful as well.

I would not put the sump pump on a GFCI. It could trip without your knowing and then the sump would overflow.

You can not have any other lights or recepticals with your sump pump it needs to be on a circuit by it self. Also keep in mind I live in Canada(Alberta). So saying this check the code for your area. Also with light lower then seven feet they need to have a guard around the light.