How to Run Power to a Storage Shed
A shed is a convenient place for storing everything from a gleaming new lawn tractor, to sacks of manure, piles of clay pots and pool toys. You can add a light fixture with a solar kit, but if you want more lights and an outlet for some power tools, an electrical line from your basement breaker box or a sub-box installed in the garage may be the answer. Local electrical codes vary and may not adopt all of the National Electrical Code, so check with your local electrical inspector or other experienced professional before beginning. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- UF (underground feed) wire
- Wire cutters and strippers
- GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) appliances
- Metal conduit with conduit bender or PVC conduit with elbows
- Conduit couplings, adapters, connectors and pipe straps
- Adhesive for PVC conduit
- Shovel
- Screwdriver
- Hacksaw
- Needle-nose and side-cutter pliers
- Electrical tape
Instructions
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Turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.
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Choose an empty circuit in your breaker box to begin your outside line. If your breaker box is on another floor or in an inconvenient location, establish a sub-breaker with a capacity of 20 to 40 amps on a wall where the outside line will leave the building. Although NM wire might be used indoors from the breaker box to the sub-circuit box or wall, once outdoors, use UF or other waterproof wire or other wire dictated by your local code. Install ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, at the indoor circuit breaker if required by local code.
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Dig a trench along the proposed route of the line. Codes may require depths from 18 to 24 inches.
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Lay UF wire in PVC or conduit in the trench with GFCIs along the line if required by local code. Cut conduit to size with a hacksaw and draw UF wire through, inserting connectors between straight and elbow sections as you work. Fasten PVC connectors with pipe adhesive. Anchor conduit that runs along walls every 6 to 10 inches with J-shaped pipe straps.
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Terminate the line in a weatherproof outlet, switch or combination box in your shed. Use fixtures with GFCIs if required by local code.
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Tips & Warnings
Obtain required permits before buying materials or planning your project. You need to know specifics as to types and size of wire and circuit breakers, GFCI requirements and underground wiring protection.
Codes differ regarding location of GFCIs. Some require installation near the circuit origin inside the house. Some dictate installation along the line or in fixtures such as outlets and light switches.
Conduit shielding is required for outdoor wiring above ground. Protect underground wire with conduit where soils are exceptionally acidic or alkaline. Underground conduit shielding also protects against damage by garden spades or tillers. Your code may mandate use of conduit for the entire line.
In addition to getting the proper approvals, call your local underground utility marking service to tag underground gas, electric, water and communication lines. In addition to the danger of damaging one of these lines, you could be held financially liable.
Electric work you complete might require approval by an electrical inspector. Check your local regulations.
Wire can become hot under load. Run conduit through house and shed walls rather than packing insulation around wires. Check your local code for hole size and permitted insulation materials.
References
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