Molly Ayala
Running electricity to your garden shed can be a challenging task, but it is possible to do it yourself. Before you begin, it is important to consider the layout of your garden and house, the wiring method, and whether you will need to dig a trench. You may also want to consult a professional electrician or your local electrical inspector. The National Electrical Code (NEC) outlines the burial depth for wires, which ranges from 4 to 24 inches depending on the wiring method and location. If you are running a residential branch circuit rated 120 volts or less, the NEC guidelines are more relaxed. The next step is to locate your breaker box and drill a hole to get power from your electrical panel or junction box. You can then run the cable, either underground or above ground, and fix it inside conduit or trunking to keep it safe and childproof. Finally, you can add an electrical circuit to your shed and say goodbye to those extension cords!
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What You'll Learn
Planning the route and power source
Firstly, locate your breaker box and assess if you have enough space to add a new circuit for the shed. This is important because you'll need to ensure your electrical panel can handle the additional load. If you're unsure, consider consulting an electrician.
Next, determine the route of the electrical wiring. Decide whether you want to run the cable underground or above ground. If you choose to bury the cable, you must adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) for burial depth, which ranges from 4 to 24 inches depending on the wiring method and location. Alternatively, you can install the cable inside conduit or trunking above ground, which can be more accessible and cost-effective.
When planning the route, consider the distance between your power source and the shed. This will impact the type and length of cable you need. Measure the distance from your main fuse box or breaker box to the shed, taking into account any obstacles along the way, such as trees or concrete slabs.
If you opt for an underground cable, you'll need to dig a trench. The trench should be deep enough to accommodate the cable safely, typically around 500mm deep as per electrical guidelines. Ensure you lay warning tape along the cable route to indicate the presence of electrical wiring.
Before finalising the route, consider any future expansion plans for your shed. If you anticipate adding more electrical appliances or expanding the space, you may need to install a subpanel in the shed instead of a single circuit. This will provide more capacity for your power needs and make it easier to upgrade in the future.
Lastly, decide on the power source for your shed. You can either extend an existing circuit from your house or create a new circuit from your electrical panel or junction box. If you're extending from an existing circuit, ensure it has the capacity to handle the additional load. If you're creating a new circuit, you may need to install a new breaker or RCD in your mains switchboard, which can increase costs.
By carefully planning the route and power source, you can ensure a safe and efficient electrical setup for your garden shed. Remember, if you have any doubts or concerns, it's always best to consult a qualified electrician.
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Digging trenches
Firstly, it's important to determine the best route for the trench. Plan the shortest path with the fewest pipe bends from your power source, which is typically your electrical panel or breaker box. Consider the layout of your garden and any obstacles, such as concrete patios, slabs, or driveways with large trees and roots. The trench should be dug at an appropriate depth to accommodate the wiring method and location. The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies burial depths ranging from 4 to 24 inches, depending on the specific circumstances.
When digging the trench, aim for a depth of approximately 500mm to ensure the cable is protected from accidental damage by tools like forks or spades. It is also recommended to lay warning tape along the cable route just beneath the ground to provide visibility and prevent accidental damage during any future digging or gardening activities.
If you're installing conduit for the wiring, choose the appropriate size. PVC piping is a common choice, and it's advisable to opt for a larger size to accommodate potential future upgrades. Consider putting in extra pipes during the trenching process, which can be capped off until needed. This way, you'll save yourself from having to dig again for future electrical requirements.
While trenching can be physically demanding, it can help reduce the overall cost of the project by minimising the amount of work required by an electrician. Many electricians may prefer to handle the entire project themselves due to liability concerns, but you can negotiate who handles which tasks. If you opt for a catenary wire setup, ensure it is earthed as it is supposed to be, and consider consulting a professional electrician to ensure the work is completed safely and correctly.
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Installing cables and conduits
To install cables and conduits, you will need to decide on the best route for your cables, taking into account any obstacles such as concrete or a driveway. You may choose to run the cables through a conduit above ground or underground in a trench.
If you opt for an above-ground installation, you can use a catenary wire between the house and shed with an extension lead cable tied to it. This method will require an electrician to earth the wire. Alternatively, you can install the cables and conduits inside a conduit/trunking, which can be fixed to the wall of your house and shed. This method provides protection against the elements and pests.
For underground installation, you will need to dig a trench. The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies burial depth requirements, which range from 4 to 24 inches depending on the wiring method and location. If you are running a residential branch circuit rated 120 volts or less, and it is protected by a 20-amp ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), then the NEC requirements are met.
Before beginning any work, it is essential to locate your breaker box and plan the route to the outside of the building. You will also need to obtain any necessary permits and call 811 to locate any buried electrical wires.
When installing the cables and conduits, ensure that you use the correct type and size of wire and conduit. For example, PVC piping is commonly used for conduits, and the size should be large enough to accommodate future upgrades. You may also need to install a grounding electrode and ground rods, depending on the power supply to the shed.
It is recommended to consult a licensed electrician for advice and to ensure that your installation meets local codes and safety standards.
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Adding circuits and breakers
Adding a new circuit to your breaker box is a big job, and you should consider hiring a professional electrician to do it. If you want to do it yourself, you will need to locate your breaker box and figure out a path to get to the outside of the shed. You will then need to drill a hole for an LB fitting to go through.
If you are planning to run the cable underground, you will need to dig a trench. The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the rules for burial depth, which range from 4 to 24 inches. The depth depends on the wiring method (direct burial cable, conduit, or type of circuit) and the location of the buried wire. If you are running a residential branch circuit rated 120 volts or less, protected by a 20-amp (or less) ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), the NEC requirements are easier to meet.
You will also need to choose the right type of cable. Most people use PVC piping for this, but it is important to make sure that the pipe is large enough for the wire. You will also need to put in a ground rod at the shed and possibly a subpanel if you are planning to heat or cool the shed or expand it in the future.
If you are running the cable above ground, you will need to install it inside conduit or trunking to keep it secure and safe from children, pests, and water damage. You may also want to consider adding a second consumer unit in the shed to separate the circuits.
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Safety considerations
Safety should be a priority when running electricity to your garden shed. Here are some detailed safety considerations to keep in mind:
Planning and Permits:
Before starting any electrical work, it is crucial to understand and adhere to local zoning regulations and electrical codes. Most areas will require a permit to electrify your shed, so ensure you secure the necessary permits upfront to avoid legal issues and future hassles. Check with your local building department to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Consult a Qualified Electrician:
Attempting electrical work without proper qualifications can be hazardous. Consult a qualified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards. They can advise on the best cable for your job and handle the entire process, providing peace of mind and a safe outcome.
Underground Wiring:
Underground wiring is a safer and more permanent solution than above-ground wiring, which can be damaged and pose safety hazards outdoors. Utilise PVC conduit or specialised underground cabling to protect your wires from external elements. Ensure you select the appropriate outdoor electrical cable, such as Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) cable, which is safe to bury and resistant to rotting and water damage.
Regular Safety Checks:
Implement standard inspection intervals to spot and fix issues promptly. Regularly check sockets for "wear and tear" and any signs of damage or overheating. Keep cables neatly organised to avoid trips and reduce cable damage. Check trip switches every few months, and regularly inspect wiring for any frayed or exposed wires.
Alternative Power Sources:
Consider alternative power sources such as solar-powered outdoor lights. These are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and easy to install, providing a safe and environmentally friendly option for your garden shed.
Remember, electricity can be extremely dangerous if not treated with care. Always put safety first and ensure your garden shed electrical setup complies with regulatory standards and is regularly maintained.
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Frequently asked questions
You can run electricity to your garden shed by locating your breaker box and drilling a hole for an LB. You can then install a panel outdoors, near your electric meter, which will become your new main panel. This panel will contain two breakers: one to your current panel, and one to your shed.
You need to consider the burial depth of the wires, which ranges from 4 to 24 inches, depending on the wiring method and the location of the buried wire. You also need to ensure that you have a safe and accessible way to punch a hole through your house to the outside and obtain any necessary permits.
While it is possible to run electricity to your garden shed using an extension cord, it is not recommended as a permanent solution. A better and safer way is to add an electrical circuit to your shed.
