It all sounds great. Any chance of some photos?

Yes, I'll take some photos when it's finished.

Once I get the bench done, I can arrange to have power points installed. At the moment there's a grand total of one single outlet.

I thought 6 double GPO's would be enough on my bench. It isnt.
I added another 5 the weekend before last.


ben

Just remember that an installation can only have 20 'points' on each fuse/circuit breaker. A double GPO is counted as 1 point.

Just remember that an installation can only have 20 'points' on each fuse/circuit breaker. A double GPO is counted as 1 point.

I'm rusty on the Wiring Rules but doesn't that depend on the csa of the wire used, the length of the run, and whether or not conduit is used?

Nup, it is a standard thing on both light and power circuits.

Minimum size for power circuits is 2.5mm² too. You can use 4mm² if you want to over-engineer things but there is still a maximum of 20 points.

In your case GTC, as your workshop is in a non-domestic situation it is classed as commercial and other rules apply, mainly to do with calculating maximum demand. I am really rusty with 'the bible' these days and am only quoting what I remember from last time I worked as an electrician. If anything, the rules may be even tighter now.

I thought 6 double GPO's would be enough on my bench. It isnt. I added another 5 the weekend before last.

On the little bench in my garage I have 4 x 6-way power boards. That's just about enough for that situation. I prefer outlets with neons on them, so that I can see what's still on when I switch off the lights, and power boards are far cheaper than GPOs with neons.

The total current draw is quite low as they are never all on at once and there's nothing of heavy wattage plugged in to them.

You can use 4mm2 if you want to over-engineer things

I think that should reduce voltage drop on a long run, but it's expensive.

Gave the bench MDF a coat of white primer this afternoon. It looks better already.

If you want GPOs with indicators be sure to get those with red ones. The red indicators switch on and off with the sockets. Those with amber indicators are designed for hospital cardiac protected areas and are on whenever the circuit is energised.

I think that should reduce voltage drop on a long run, but it's expensive.

And probably not needed. You'd go higher on a 100m+ run and even then only when doing something heavy duty like welding.

If you want GPOs with indicators be sure to get those with red ones.

They're too expensive, even at mate's rates. Hence I use these on the bench:

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MS4066.

Works out at $4 per outlet.

Managed to get some time in the workshop lately and have finished building the l-o-o-o-n-g bench.

That bench is a real beauty, just crying out for some clutter ;)

Maven

Oh, the clutter will come. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, an empty bench ...

Next task is to get some power points installed around the place. I'm afraid the single GPO by the door just won't cut it.