Otis Singleton
Running electricity to your backyard shed is a great way to improve your outdoor space. It can be a complex process, so it's important to plan carefully and understand the requirements. The process involves determining power needs, planning electrical cable routing, installing a circuit breaker, digging trenches, laying conduits, and making the necessary connections. Safety is a key consideration, with specific burial depth requirements outlined by the National Electrical Code (NEC). It is recommended to consult professionals for guidance and adhere to local codes when performing electrical work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burial depth | Depends on wiring method and location. Direct burial cable, conduit or type of circuit. |
| Electrical panel | Requires a junction box with an existing circuit. |
| Electrical wiring | Requires an electrician's fish tape, rope, and individual conductors. |
| Conduit | Requires PVC pipe, special glue, and a protective layer of sand. |
| Electrical cable | Requires planning of routing and excavation of a trench. |
| GFCI outlet | Requires a ground-fault circuit interrupter and a 20-amp circuit. |
| Circuit breaker | Requires a 60-amp, double-pole breaker. |
| Voltage | 120v or 240v. |
| Amperage | 20-amp or 60-amp. |
| Permits | Required for electrical work. |
| Pipe hanger | Required for support by code. |
| UF cable | Suitable for aerial run with approved strain relief fittings. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning your electrical cable routing
Firstly, determine the power requirements of your backyard setup. Will a 120v circuit be sufficient, or do you need a 240v circuit? This decision will influence the size of the feed wire and the new circuit breaker you'll need to install at your home's main panel. It's important to ensure that your existing electrical service can accommodate these additional power requirements.
Next, plan the route of your electrical cable. This includes deciding how the cable will get from your home's electrical panel to the exterior, how it will be buried, and how it will be routed to your desired location in the backyard. If you're powering a shed, for instance, you might choose to run the cable through your basement, up along the floor joists, and then outside near the shed.
When planning the burial of the cable, keep in mind that the National Electrical Code (NEC) sets specific depth requirements, which can range from 4 to 24 inches depending on the wiring method and location. If you're using a conduit, ensure that it is protected from sharp rocks by placing a couple of inches of sand in the trench. The trench should be deep enough so that even with this additional material, the conduit meets the minimum depth requirements.
Consider the materials you will use for the conduit. PVC conduits are commonly used for outdoor electrical wiring. If you're running the wire under a concrete surface, you'll need to secure the cable to wood and then attach it to the concrete. This provides the necessary support and protection for the cable.
Finally, it's important to consult professionals and adhere to safety guidelines. Reach out to your local electrical inspector or a licensed electrician for guidance and to ensure that your plan complies with local codes and regulations. Remember, electrical work can be hazardous, so it's essential to prioritize safety and seek expert advice when needed.
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Installing a GFCI outlet or circuit breaker
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are designed to protect people from electric shocks, making them essential in areas where water is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. They do this by continuously monitoring the flow of electricity and instantly detecting any imbalance between the hot and neutral wires. Even the slightest difference triggers the breaker to trip, cutting off the power supply rapidly.
Before starting the installation process, it is important to take safety precautions. This includes turning off the power supply, using personal protective equipment, and testing wires. It is also crucial to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions provided with the GFCI circuit breaker. Each brand may have specific installation requirements, so be sure to adhere to their guidelines.
To install a GFCI circuit breaker, begin by identifying the circuit you want to install it in. Typically, bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor circuits are the most critical areas where GFCI protection is required. Locate the circuit breaker in the main electrical panel that corresponds to the desired circuit and turn off the main power switch. Next, remove the existing circuit breaker from the panel.
To install a GFCI outlet, first, test with a receptacle tester to determine any problems. Turn off the power at the breaker panel and use a non-contact voltage tester to check the receptacle that will be changed. Remove the faceplate and the existing receptacle from the junction box but leave any wire connections in place. Check the existing outlet to see if the bridge between outlets is intact. If it is standard, remove the wires from the outlet. Straighten or trim the exposed wires and cover all the ends with wire nuts. Ask an assistant to turn the power on at the breaker box and use the non-contact voltage tester to determine which wire is providing power and which line carries the power to the next outlet.
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Excavating your trench
Before you start digging your trench, make sure you have a clear plan for where your power source will be and the route your wiring will take. You'll also need to decide whether you'll use 240v or 120v power and whether you can use the main circuit breaker panel or need to install a subpanel. Check the National Electrical Code (NEC) for rules on burial depth, which range from 4 to 24 inches depending on the wiring method and location. If you have rocky or heavy clay soil, tree roots, or only need to run wire a short distance, you may want to install galvanized metal rigid electrical conduit with individual insulated wires, but this will be more costly. If you have granular soil that's easy to dig, you can save money by digging deeper and possibly avoiding the need for conduit.
Consider renting a gas-powered trenching machine to reduce the amount of manual labour needed, especially if you need to dig down to 24 inches. If you're renting a trencher, you can usually get it for half a day for less than $100 or $150 for a full day. If you're digging by hand, use a spade or shovel to excavate a trench that's deep enough for your wiring method and complies with the NEC. Remember to install barricades around the trench if it will be open for an extended period to avoid creating a safety hazard.
Once your trench is dug, you can start feeding your cable into the wall and securing your conduit in place. Cut a plastic conduit to cover the area from the bottom of the trench to the hole in the wall. You can use a propane-powered heat gun to help bend the conduit to conform to the foundation. Attach a plastic underground electrical conduit outlet body to the end of the conduit and feed your electrical cable into it. Then, pull the cable through the hole in the wall and all the way to the main electrical panel.
Finally, screw the conduit outlet body to the exterior wall and apply exterior-grade acrylic-latex caulk to seal out water. Cover the cable with about 2 inches of sand and lay caution tape along the entire trench. Then, backfill the trench with the excavated soil. Remember to have a licensed electrician make the final wire connections at the main electrical panel.
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Laying the conduit
Once you've determined the burial depth, it's time to start digging. Remove any sod or grass from the area and set it aside for later use. You can use a mattock or a trencher to dig a trench at the required depth. If you're using rigid metal conduit (RMC), keep in mind that it has the shallowest burial depth of 6 inches.
After digging the trench, it's time to drill holes and install the conduit. Drill a 1-inch hole through the structure, such as a shed or an exterior wall, where you plan to run the conduit. Hold the conduit body (LB) in the hole and mark the wall where the threads meet the body. This will help you measure and bend the pipe to fit the hole. You can either bend the pipe yourself or purchase pre-bent 90-degree elbows. Test fit the pipe and LB into the hole to ensure a proper fit.
Before securing the conduit, feed the electrical cable through it. Push the cable through the conduit and pull it all the way to the main electrical panel. Secure the cable with joist hangers or cable staples if needed. Then, screw the conduit outlet body to the exterior wall and apply exterior-grade acrylic-latex caulk to seal out water. Finally, screw the other conduit body to the interior wall.
It is important to note that you should consult a certified electrician or your local electrical inspector before beginning any electrical work. Additionally, always call your local "Call Before You Dig" number to have existing underground utilities marked to avoid any accidental damage.
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Connecting the wires
Planning the Route
Firstly, determine the power needs of your backyard or shed. Consider whether you require 120v or 240v power and the electrical loads. This will influence the size of the feed wire and the new circuit breaker you will need to install. Plan the route of your electrical cable, considering how it will get from your home's electrical panel to the exterior, how it will be buried, and how it will reach your shed or desired location.
Preparing the Conduit
Install a conduit to protect the electrical wires. For underground wiring, dig a trench at the required depth, taking into account any local regulations and the wiring method you are using. The trench should be deep enough to accommodate the conduit and any additional materials, such as sand or concrete, to protect the conduit from sharp rocks. Place a couple of inches of sand in the trench to protect the conduit and ensure it is below the frost line.
Running the Wires
Use an electrician's fish tape to run through the conduit, and tie a rope to the end of the fish tape. Pull the rope back through the conduit, and attach the required number of individual conductors, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. Pull the wires through the conduit, ensuring they do not rub against existing wires and wear away the insulation.
At the shed or desired location, affix a junction box to the conduit where it enters the structure. Join the individual wires from the conduit to a non-metallic sheathed cable, making it easier to run inside the shed. Back at the house, connect the wires from the conduit to a junction box and then to the non-metallic sheathed cable. Run this cable to the new panel installed below the existing main panel.
Final Steps
Install a suitable breaker, such as a 60-amp, double-pole breaker, and power up the circuit. Test all connections to ensure they are functioning properly. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult a licensed electrician to inspect your work and ensure it complies with local codes and regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to determine the power needs of your backyard. Will it need 240v power, or is 120v enough? This will determine the size of the feed wire and the size of the new circuit breaker needed.
You can either run the wire inside the wall first and then pull it outside through an LB box under the deck, or you can drill a hole in the deck and run the wire under it.
You need to dig a trench that is at least 18 inches deep to protect the conduit from sharp rocks. Place a couple of inches of sand in the trench and lay the conduit on top. Cover the conduit with more sand and then lay red caution tape on top to alert anyone digging in the future that there is underground power.
You can use UF Type cable, which is suitable for aerial runs and is sunlight and moisture resistant. Alternatively, you can use non-metallic sheath (NM) cable, but this is more difficult to work with as it lacks a thin, easy-to-remove outer jacket.
Run the electrical cable through the conduit and into the shed. Backfill the trench and test all connections.
