National Electrical Code

NEC Rules for Repair Garages

May 1, 2018

Article 511 provides the requirements for garages used for repair and storage.

Articles 511 through 517 cover specific kinds of occupancies. The general rules of the NEC and the provisions of Arts. 500 through 504 apply, except as modified by the applicable 511 through 517 Articles [Sec. 510.2]. Article 511 provides the requirements for garages used for repair and storage. Parking garages don’t have to be classified.

It matters whether a garage is used for major or minor repairs [Sec. 511.2]. For example, refer to Table 511.3(C). Looking at the requirements for a major repairs garage, we see a Class I, Division 1 classification for “Entire space within any pit, below grade work area, or subfloor work area that is not ventilated.” When this description is applied to a minor repair garage the classification is Class I, Division 2. There are other differences, too.

Table 511.3(C) applies to garages with heavier than air fuel. Table 511.3(D) applies to garages with lighter than air fuel. In Table 511.3(D) major repair garages are classified as Class I, Division 2 under one set of criteria and unclassified under another set. Minor repair garages don’t even appear in this table.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.