Running Electricity to Your Shed
Whether you are planning on turning your shed into a man cave, she-shed, or a small workshop/office, having good lighting and electrical outlets will let you use it for more than storage. Plus, having air conditioning in your shed can be a lifesaver. Bonus: you add to the utility of your home and give your backyard a boost.
Appealing? See the possibilities with your shed. Our electricians discuss the ins and outs of running electricity to your shed so you can get to enjoying your new space!
How Much Power Does a Shed Need?
First, what are we doing out there? That helps us figure out how much power your shed needs.
Do you want to supply 240V or 120V to your shed? All lights, outlets, and appliances will operate at 120 volts, but larger equipment like a dryer or electric range will require 240 volts.
If you intend to use your shed as a workshop, where you will be using 220V tools, you will need more power. Remember, to get more electricity to your shed, you must buy bigger cables, which can be more expensive. Running 240V to your shed will also require a different breaker at your main panel, different wiring, and a sub-panel in your shed.
Unsure of what voltage your shed will need? No worries! Our electricians at Axiom Power can help you decide. Call us today for a consultation — (813) 308-9328!
The Cost to Run Electricity to a Shed
The cost of running electricity to a shed depends on several factors, and it is important to note that working with a licensed electrician is key to having your project done right and up to code.
When hiring a licensed electrician, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$4,000 depending on how far your shed is from your house, and how much power you plan to supply to it.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
Distance from the House to the Shed
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of installation is the distance between your shed and your house because you are running electricity directly from your house to your shed.
The farther your shed is from your home, the more expensive the project will be, as you will need to purchase more conduits and longer cables.
Wiring and conduit are the two main supplies that you need.
Conduit
A conduit is a durable tubing or enclosure that is used to protect electrical wiring from damage. Conduit is generally made of metal or plastic and can be rigid or flexible.
There are seven different types of conduit, but we commonly use two types for outdoor use.
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
RMC provides structural support and protection for electrical cables and is available in 10-20 ft lengths. Every tube has metal threads that can be connected to traverse the distance from your house to the shed.
RMC also only needs to be buried 6-inches below the surface, unlike PVC. This can save on hours of work since a deep trench will not need to be dug for the conduit.
Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (Rigid PVC)
Rigid PVC is plastic tubing like what is used in plumbing. The tubing is glued together to get to the required length and is watertight.
Unlike RMC, PVC must be buried 18-inches below the surface of the ground to meet electrical codes.
Electrical Wiring
Wiring can be a big part of the cost of running electricity to a shed, as wires with different diameters will be needed to finish the project, and they vary in price.
The bigger the wire is, the smaller the gauge is. Wires with smaller gauges can pass more electricity through them and are therefore more expensive. To power a shed, a 6-gauge cable will be needed, and at least a 12-gauge cable for lighting fixtures and small electric tools.
Pro tip: If your shed is more than 80 feet from your home, increase the gauge of the cable to ensure enough electricity can pass through it. The longer the wire, the more voltage you can lose, and by increasing the gauge size, you are increasing the amperage capacity and counteracting voltage drops.
Upgrading Electrical
You may have to upgrade your main circuit breaker box or update the electrical service to your home if it cannot handle the extra electrical load. Having a 100-amp electrical service is the bare minimum that you need to run modern electrical appliances, so if you have an older home on a 60-amp service, it will need to be upgraded.
Upgrading an electric service is an investment (but worth every cent):
Upgrading to 100-amp service can cost $850-$1,600.
Upgrading to 200-amp service can cost $1,300-$2,500.
Upgrading to 400-amp service can cost $2,000-$4,000.
Keep in mind: these upgrades do not include the cost to replace circuit wiring or the installation of new wiring.
Get Powered by Axiom Power
Running electricity to your shed can allow you to use your shed as a workshop, office space, laundry room, or hideaway to escape from it all.
Ready to build out that man cave that you have always wanted? Call the pros at Axiom Power to run electricity to your shed so you can start using it for more than just storage space this Summer!
Contact us today for a consultation anywhere in Tampa Bay or Orlando— (813) 308-9328!