Sim Build Electrical Considerations

[Foreman33]

I'm getting started planning my first garage build and this site has been incredibly helpful. My drywall contractor is coming earlier than expected so I suddenly have a sense of urgency around the electrical.

What are the electrical considerations I should be thinking of? Obviously you need outlets for cpu/monitor and LM and an ceiling outlet for projector? I'm currently deciding between a GCQuad and EYE XO, so I'll wire for both options. Maybe some overhead lights? Any advice on outlet placement? What else - I'm sure I'm missing several things.

[gojoholo]

I'm thinking of putting a soundbar above/behind my impact screen, which will need power, and I haven't ruled out a QED so I'm planning for 4 outlets in the ceiling. 1 at the front (soundbar) 2 near the middle, (projector and eyexo type LM) one at the back (QED type LM). I figure that will cover most scenarios. The socket I'm not using for a launch monitor will probably be used for a spotlight. Back at ground level you might want some power for heating/cooling. Generally with outlets more is better. Before you know it you'll be thinking you need a 2nd monitor, somewhere to plug in your phone charger, more spotlights for your live streaming... 😁

[enigmamatt]

If you're doing any type of video with high speed cameras you'll want some extra lights above you. I did 4 extra lights right above hitting area. Also think about potential wiring for face on and down the line cameras as well as running any HDMI cables for TV hook ups. Good luck!

[gojoholo]

I'm also wondering whether it would be useful to have low level switches for the ceiling outlets. So I can switch off the eye XO without getting on a step ladder. Not sure what the correct term for them is? Isolation switch?

[lawrencejp42]

I installed a switched outlet for just such a purpose.

[Foreman33]

I learned that when you close your Uneekor software on your computer it shuts off the LM camera. It seems as though its essentially off without having to actually shut it off. I'm not positive but I don't think you need a switch, as well.

[lawrencejp42]

Foreman33 - I started with a floor plan and sketched in the projector and simulator locations and all the outlets, switches and junction boxes I expected to need and wired to a dedicated 20 amp circuit breaker with 12/2. I installed a wall plate with F/F HDMI and Ethernet jacks to plug in from computer to EYEXO and projector and to hide the cables behind the walls. On ceiling I mounted brush plates in outlet boxes to carry the cables to the EYEXO and projector. Put outlets in ceiling to plug in those devices. Careful planning will save a lot of headaches later.

[Foreman33]

Appreciate you all. I can do over head stuff anytime after the fact. Wall stuff needs to be done now. Do you all run your ground-level LM to an outlet behind the screen?

[lawrencejp42]

My outlet is mounted just behind the ceiling mounted EYEXO and I have a ceiling mounted brush plate for the CAT6 cable to pass through.

[bs531]

Might be a good idea to install a conduit while the walls are open for hdmi to the projector and Ethernet if you get the Eye XO

[lawrencejp42]

I think that is a good idea if you ever want to take the cables out. But I stapled mine in place.

[bubbtubbs]

As an electrician, I'd always recommend adding a data and HDMI plate next to the projector mount, as well as a buried conduit for any additional future cabling.

Central vac pipe works just fine for this purpose, just make sure to get the sweeping 90* elbows and not the tight ones to make pulling the cabling a lot easier.

[lawrencejp42]

I have a data and HDMI plate at the computer end and brush plates in the ceiling. If I was to start over I might consider running the cables through 3/4" flexible PVC conduit.

[bubbtubbs]

3/4" is way too small if you end up having some kind of cord end that needs to go through there and flexible conduit can be really difficult for runs longer than 15-20', depending what you're pulling through it. If it's just for a future data drop, that's a decent option, but Cat6 is so cheap that you might as well just run two or three to begin with so you have spares, if that's the goal.

I installed 40' of central vacuum piping (1-1/2") to go from the connection box in the office to the TV above our fireplace when it was being built out and the 1" HDMI end sailed through it no problem.

Brush plates should do fine - still way better than surface-mounting!

[devildog1205]

Foreman33 - I started with a floor plan and sketched in the projector and simulator locations and all the outlets, switches and junction boxes I expected to need and wired to a dedicated 20 amp circuit breaker with 12/2. I installed a wall plate with F/F HDMI and Ethernet jacks to plug in from computer to EYEXO and projector and to hide the cables behind the walls. On ceiling I mounted brush plates in outlet boxes to carry the cables to the EYEXO and projector. Put outlets in ceiling to plug in those devices. Careful planning will save a lot of headaches later.

Can you provide a link to the FF wall plate you used? Curious why you used one on the wall by the PC and not of the ceiling by the projector and LM? Thanks!!