Tools Outlet
Need to cut square hole for outside electrical outlet?

What’s the best tool or method? It is on the outside of a garage which is not drywalled or insulated, but of course has vinyl siding on the outside. This is for a small pump for a water fountain. I am OK on the wiring part of it, just need advice on cutting the hole though the wood (particle board, naturally), and the vinyl and have good looking results. I do have access to a “sawzall” at work, but am worried about what that might do to the siding.

Ok,
There are couple options here, first off depends on how you want it to look, and the ease of installation,
1. Mounting block-take an outlet box on put the face of the box against the wall sheathing where you want the outlet to be and mark this with a pencil. Take a 3/8″ drill bit and drill hole from the inside at each corner of your marks, keep the drilling inside your lines, that way when you mark from outside you don’t make the opening bigger than necessary. From outside Take a jigsaw and with a wood blade starting at the corner cut along your lines. A recipicator and the blade is too big to monouver and its base is small, a jigsaw has a much bigger base to keep the siding from jumping and its small blade is easily moved. Buy an UL listed electrical box and nail/screw to the stud keeping the box flush to the outer edge of the vinyl siding( if you need it located away from a stud install a nailer between the studs at the height of where the box will be then screw from top of box into nailer, If there may be alot of pulling/force against the outlet you might want to install another one below the box as well.) install your outlet and buy a gasketed outlet cover
you can not even worry about straight cuts into the siding, and buy a mounting block that will hide any imperfections you may make, here is a link for a picture that I used to show my clients what it looks like. This will eleminate the need for metal outlet box sticking out.

http://www.dinesolbp.com/mounting_blocks_Standard.html

2. exposed box-do not have to install a mounting block but have the box extending about 1/2″ past the siding, then installing waterproof gasket on outside. To do this cut above the same way. But extend the box 1/2″ past siding instead of flush, brace the same way BUT use a METAL box, use a clear silicone caulk and caulk around the edges against the box and siding, more precise cutting would matter here as you dont’ want a 1/2″ gap between box and siding.
3. Conduit-you can use rigid conduit on outside of your siding, eliminating all cutting all together.

NOTES:
1. Metal boxes are best used, and some codes require them,use grommets when using metal to protect the wire sheathing
2. Do NOT use regular outlets, a GFCI must be used, make sure its properly grounded
3. It will be advisable to use uf wire as the kraft paper on romex can act as a wick if any moisture(which will happen) is present. Tw wire if used in conduit is ok, but codes differ
4. use 12 gauge wire
5. a utility knife can be used easily on vinyl, but only if your able to take the siding off. It can be done while on but is much harder, and the laps of the vinyl is hard to cut. If the box lines up on the flat surface of the vinyl and you want a clean cut then go for it, may need to score it several times and be carefull as the siding is slick on your knife can jump on you scratching the vinyl. But if its going to fall in the lap joint, just use a jigsaw for the cut, you have to cut the sheathing regardless might as well do it in one step.

Tools Outlet

Which is better suited for the project at hand, the enduring power of an electrical tool or the portability and convenience of a cordless one? As you have probably guessed, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The right tool for the job depends on the circumstances, the magnitude of the project and personal preference.

Professional contractors and other building professionals tend to have a wide selection of both corded and cordless power tools to efficiently meet the demands of any job. Hobbyists and homeowners typically want to find the right mix of tools to accomplish household tasks efficiently without having to purchase too much equipment. For basic household tasks such as hanging a picture frame, installing a curtain rod or tightening a door hinge, a versatile cordless drill/driver is usually the only tool necessary.

Cordless tools have the obvious benefit of not having to be plugged into an electrical outlet, which allows for portability and convenience. In some circumstances, a cordless tool is a must, such as in new construction where electricity has not yet been connected or when there is no electrical outlet within a reasonable distance. Cordless tools usually provide more than enough power to accomplish everyday household jobs and are often preferred by homeowners looking for convenience. Electrical power tools are generally better suited for larger construction projects requiring longer and more arduous use.

Traditionally, electrical power tools have been touted as more powerful than their cordless counterparts, though continuous innovations in battery technology are making cordless tools more powerful and versatile than ever before. The M12 Milwaukee cordless tool system is a prime example, giving cordless tools more power and a longer runtime than was previously possible. The gap between the power of electrical tools and the convenience of cordless is narrowing as cordless tool technology continues to advance.

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How to convert 220v (US) outlet to 110v (US) outlet?

I have a 220v outlet in my garage that I use to run a wire feed welder. I would like to make or buy an adapter so this outlet can give me two 110v outlets for running power tools. Please tell me how to make the connections. (I think it has four wires, two 110 hot, a common, and a ground.)

When you measure the voltage between each hot leg to neutral (common), you’ll find that the voltage there is 110V. That is, you could buy a 220V plug, and have it split into two 120V outlets.
Depending on what the amperage to the 220V outlet is, for 15amps you should be good with 16 gauge wire, with 30 amps go to 14 gauge (short run).
Each 110V line needs one hot and one common.

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