Umair Gaines
Running electricity to a shed is a common task for homeowners, and there are several ways to do it. This process can be used for anything in your yard that you want to get power to, such as a pool, an outdoor kitchen, or a pond. You can run underground wire, use electrical conduit, or run an overhead line. It is important to remain code-compliant and consult a professional electrician to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. This guide will cover the basics of how to run underground electricity to a shed, including choosing the right materials, trenching, and wiring.
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What You'll Learn
Locating the breaker box and drilling a hole
Locating the breaker box is the first step in running underground electricity to your shed. The breaker box is usually located inside your home, and it needs to have enough space to accommodate the new circuit for the shed. Once you've located the breaker box, you can start planning the path for the underground electrical wiring to reach the outside of the shed.
After determining the path, you need to drill a hole for the wiring to pass through. The size of the hole will depend on the type of fitting you plan to use, such as an LB fitting. Using a hole saw bit that matches the size of the fitting, drill through the wall at the desired location. Ensure that you follow local electrical codes and regulations when drilling the hole to maintain safety and compliance.
After drilling the hole, you can start running the electrical wiring through it. Depending on your local regulations and preferences, you may use underground wire, such as UF cable (Underground Feed), or electrical conduit, such as PVC conduit. UF cable can be direct-buried without the need for additional conduit, while wiring inside conduit must follow specific burial depths to remain code-compliant.
If you choose to use electrical conduit, there are a few options to consider. PVC conduit is a common choice, and it requires at least 18 inches of cover, according to the Canadian Electrical Code. Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) or Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) are other options, but they require a minimum of 6 inches of earth cover.
Regardless of the type of wiring or conduit you select, make sure to consult with a professional electrician or your local electrical contractor to ensure that your installation is safe and compliant with local codes.
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Using underground wire like UF cable
Underground Feeder Cable (UF) is a popular choice for powering a shed due to its versatility and ease of use. It is a type of direct burial wire that does not require additional protection with PVC conduit or any code-compliant mechanical protection. However, it should be buried at a minimum depth, which varies between 12 and 24 inches depending on the local electrical code. Before beginning any electrical project, it is important to consult local regulations and a licensed electrician to ensure compliance and safety.
To begin the process of using UF cable to power your shed, you will need to locate your breaker box and plan a path to get to the outside of the shed. This path should be marked in a straight line, and you should test drill to ensure there are no obstacles. It is recommended to add at least 10 feet to the wire and pipe length to have some extra. Once you have determined the path, you can start digging a trench. The depth of the trench should be such that the UF cable is buried at the required minimum depth.
After digging the trench, you can lay the UF cable. Remember to use rated straps to secure the cable and protect it with burial tape to prevent someone from accidentally digging into it. Some local codes may also require the use of conduit for added protection. It is important to consult your local electrical contractor or inspector to ensure compliance with specific requirements.
Once the UF cable is securely in place, you can start designing your lighting and plug layout for the shed. Consider the appliances, lighting types, and any other electrical devices you plan to use, ensuring that your feed can handle the required power. If you have a complicated route or expect to consume a lot of power, it may be advisable to install a sub-panel in the shed instead of a single circuit.
Using UF cable to run underground electricity to a shed is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and adherence to local electrical codes. By following the steps outlined above and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can safely power your shed and enjoy its many benefits.
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Burying the wire at the right depth
The depth at which you should bury your electrical wire depends on the type of wire or cable, the type of conduit, and local regulations.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for allowable wiring methods, materials, and burial depth. It states that buried wiring transitioning from underground to above ground must be protected by a conduit with a minimum cover depth of 18 inches (450mm) to its termination point above ground or at least 8 feet above grade.
If you are using direct burial cable without a metal jacket, the cable must be buried at a minimum depth of 24 inches (600mm) in non-vehicular areas if the voltage is 750V or less. In vehicular areas, the minimum depth increases to 35 inches (900mm) under the finished grade.
If you are using wiring inside rigid metal (RMC) or intermediate metal (IMC) conduit, a minimum depth of 6 inches (150mm) is required. For wiring in PVC conduit, the minimum depth is 18 inches (450mm).
It is important to check your local regulations and consult with a professional to ensure that your installation complies with all safety standards.
Additionally, consider the type of soil you are digging into. If the soil is granular and easy to dig, you may not need to install metal or plastic conduit to protect the wiring. However, if the soil is rocky or heavy clay, or if there are many tree roots, you may want to use conduit to minimize digging.
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Using PVC conduit
Running electricity to a shed is a project that can be undertaken by a homeowner, but it is important to be aware of the relevant safety considerations and local electrical codes. It is always recommended to consult a licensed electrician before beginning any electrical project.
If you are using PVC conduit to run electricity to your shed, you will need to bury your conduit 12 inches below grade. The cable within the PVC conduit must be GFCI-protected before it is routed below grade. The burial depth of PVC conduit can be as little as 450mm in a non-vehicular area, according to the Canadian Electrical Code. In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC) states that wiring in PVC conduit must be at least 18 inches below the surface.
To begin, you will need to dig a trench that is deep enough for your conduit. This can be done with a trenching shovel or a gas-powered trenching machine, depending on the scale of the project. Before you dig, it is important to call your local utility company to mark any existing underground utilities. This is a free and legally required service.
Once your trench is dug, you can start running your conduit. First, drill a 1-inch hole through the shed using a hole saw. Hold the conduit body (LB) in the hole and mark the wall where the threads meet the body. Measure the distance from the mark to the bottom of the trench. Bend the pipe into a 90-degree stub, using your measurement and the appropriate deduct for your bender. You can also buy factory-bent 90s (elbows). Thread the LB onto the pipe and test fit the pipe and LB into the hole. Remove the pipe and LB from the shed and trench, and add pieces of pipe until you reach the house, tightening the fittings with two wrenches as you go.
With all the conduit laid in the trench, it is covered with a protective layer of sand. On top of the sand, you can lay red caution tape to alert anyone digging in the future that there is underground power. Finally, the trench is backfilled using the dirt that came out of it.
To get the wires into the pipe, run an electrician’s fish tape from one end to the other. With the fish tape through the conduit, tie a ¼ inch rope to the fish tape’s end and pull the rope back to the far end. In conduit, code requires the use of individual conductors rather than sheathed cable. All the wires are heavy, 6-gauge to supply the required 60 amps. Inside the shed, a junction box is affixed to the conduit where it comes through the wall. The individual wires from the conduit are joined to the same gauge non-metallic sheathed cable because it’s easier to run inside the shed to the new sub-panel. Back at the house, the wires from the conduit are joined to wires from non-metallic sheathed cable in a junction box. From there, the cable runs to the new panel that was installed below the existing main panel. A 60 amp, double-pole breaker is installed, and the shed can be powered up.
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Planning your lighting and plug layout
First, consider the appliances and lighting fixtures you plan to use in your shed. Make a list of all the items you will be powering, including any power tools, heaters, or lighting fixtures. This will help you determine the electrical load required and ensure your feed can handle the necessary power.
Next, decide on the placement of your lighting fixtures and power outlets. Mark out the locations for your sconce lighting, motion sensors, or reactive LED lighting. Plan the layout of your power outlets, ensuring they are easily accessible and conveniently located for the appliances you intend to use.
When designing your plug layout, consider the length of power cords for your appliances and the number of outlets you may need. It is generally recommended to have multiple outlets to avoid overloading a single outlet with too many power strips or extensions.
After finalising the placement of your lighting and plugs, it's important to consult an electrical contractor or a reputable electrician to ensure your plan complies with local codes and regulations. They can provide valuable insights and guidance on the specific requirements for your area, ensuring a safe and code-compliant installation.
Additionally, consider the future expansion of your electrical needs. It may be prudent to install a larger PVC pipe that can accommodate a higher amp wire if you anticipate requiring more power in the future. This way, you can avoid the hassle of re-digging the trench and can simply upgrade the wiring when needed.
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