Are you looking forward to carrying out late-night DIY projects in your new shed? If so, you need to power the place. Unlike a garage, a shed offers you adequate space to store your tools and carry out indoor projects such as woodworking, painting and creating decor items.
However, running a standard powerboard from your main house to the shed won't cut it. You need to install electric wiring in the new shed. Here are things to have in mind when embarking on the project.
Plan the Electrical Installation
Before wiring a shed, you need to determine the electrical needs of the space. Do you need power for lighting only or to run power tools? What kind of tools will you be using? Do you have other electrical uses such as heating and air conditioning? Having these things in mind will help you determine how to bring in the electricity.
For example, if you only need power for minor electrical work, you can use the external GFCI outlets that are installed in most homes. Run an exterior-rated extension cable from the outlet to supply power to the house. However, if you need power for HVAC or high-power tools such as electric drills, you need a more elaborate electrical system.
Calculate the Voltage Requirements
Once you've planned your project, the next step is to determine the amount of power required to meet the electrical needs of the shed. This step is particularly important to determine whether your current electrical panel can handle the new installations. If you don' have circuits that can handle power tools and a new heating and cooling system, you may need to install a sub-panel for the shed.
If you wire the shed to the main house's switchboard, make sure that there are dedicated circuits for high-power tools. Using regular circuits can cause an overload which will lead to frequent tripping. In some cases, overloading circuits can cause overheating and increase the risk of electrical fires.
Overhead vs. Underground Wiring
You need to choose between overhead and underground wiring for the new installation. Overhead wiring is suitable when the distance from the shed to your home is short. The process is simple, quick and cheap. However, overhead cabling exposes electrical wiring to damage, which can lead to hazards.
On the other hand, underground wiring is ideal when the shed is located a little further away from the main source of power. It is also safe as the wires are buried in the ground where they are safer from damage. This form of wiring is an ideal option if you're looking for a permanent electrical solution for your shed.
Wiring a shed requires a lot of care and consideration to ensure you get a safe and reliable power supply for your tools and electrical fixtures. Talk to an electrician to learn more about electrical installation.
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