Need a source of power for condo underground garage

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dalethompson

New member
I just moved to a condo in September after my wedding in late August. Haven't detailed anything (not even my own car) as I've been way too busy getting our condo redone and stuff like that.



I took a look around in our Condo underground garage and noticed that there aren't any electrical outlets... anywhere! I was kinda bummed out since the garage is nice for temperature (it's four floors underground) and lighting as well. In short, would be perfect for detailing cars all Winter-long.



Does anyone have a way or an idea how I can get transportable power or some sort of non-gas generator to work for 3-4 hours at a time? Basically, I just have a Porter Cable and vacuum to use, nothing else at all.



Any suggestions/comments/opinions welcome :)



TIA,

Dale
 
interesting... I never thought of that before. I mean, I'm not using that much power I guess. The only thing I guess would be how much juice does a car battery give off and how long could I use it before I would drain it. I have to remember that it wouldn't be my car I would be running it off of too.
 
Well, there IS electricity down there--it's lit, isn't it? I know condo covenants are weird, but it wouldn't cost much to have an electrician put a plug near an overhead light. I just had this done myself, though I do own the house. That part of the project was less than $100. (I also had the place wired for a generator.) Next, get a retractable extension cord from some place like Home Depot. Mine cost $35. These hang down the ceiling and come with a three-plex plug-in on the end. They are very heavy duty, made of metal. You just pull the cord down to where you need it. When you're done just give it a tug and it will retract back into its reel. Alternatively the electrician could surface mount a plug at normal height, even with a on-off switch for the plug. You probably would have to get permission from the condo board to make an alteration like this, but technically it's pretty easy.
 
Depending on what kind of light fixtures are down there you may be able to get one of those outlets that screws into a light socket (then the bulb screws into the other end so you still have light).
 
Mikeyc said:
Depending on what kind of light fixtures are down there you may be able to get one of those outlets that screws into a light socket (then the bulb screws into the other end so you still have light).
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This would be your best bet assuming the use typical household bulbs.



If that doesn't work, you could get a small propane powered generator. I say propane because being in a garage, the fumes from a generator may not be able to ventilate fast enough and could create a dangerous environment.
 
if you live in a condo you have very strict rules, so be careful doing anything like running electricity etc. You might even have rules against doing anything to your car in the garage. I know it might sound silly but that is what sucks about condo living. Hopefully you can at least get away with using ONR and waxing by hand.



Do you have a friends or parents place you can do your PC work?
 
Just set up a temp. recepticle or cord end off one of the lights. Something to plug an extention cord into.
 
My building is kinda strict about doing anything outside of your own place. I don't think they'd be thrilled if I tried to get power from a light, but I think the idea is a good one though :(



I can check my local Canadian Tire I suppose and see if there's any portable power solutions, at this point I'll consider anything really as long as it's not too much $$$.



Thanks for all the advice too, much appreciated!



-Dale
 
joshtpa said:
You can always get an inverter and run it off the car battery.
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I second using a propane generator over an inverter. An inverter will reduce the life of your electronics since the power it delivers is very dirty unless you get a true RMS inverter which is pricey.
 
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