How do I run power out to the shed?

Question

We're building a shed in the back of the property. How do I run the power out their for my boyfriend to use power tools? If I were to run extension cords, I would need two or three. We do have a generator. Should I just use that?

Answer 1

extention lead from your house

Answer 2

dig a 1-3 inch trench and run a realy durable extention cord .....good ones can cost up to $70 for just 30 feet

Answer 3

Hire an electrician to install a PVC pipe from the panel in the house out to the shed.  I would have a sub-panel added out there, as sheds tend to grow into workshops, and having enough power for future growth will be there.  It's not that much more money, and if a breaker trips you can reset it right there.

While they're at it, have them mount a couple fluorescent lights, and GFI outlets for the workbench.  

Countless times I've heard homeowners tell me, "I wish I had listened when you suggested the subpanel".  As they were paying me too add more individual circuits to the already crowded house panel.

Answer 4

I am thinking, if you are running lregular house lights only then and only then would I say it is alright to install a household power line ( 12/2 120V line) from the main house to the shed .

If you are running more than just house lights;such as, power tools, then you must contact Power Company to install separate meter & power line and install a separate breaker box. This is for obvious safety reasons. I mean, if there really were a fire you can't expect to run back to the house to shut the power off .. right?

You need the ability to cut the main power right there, and extension cords are totally illegal to run them to transfer power from one structure to another structure on a perm. basis.

Now you may be able to look into a solar setup to bring power into that shed, and I am very certain the US Government offers tax breaks if you go with renewable energy systems, and offers programs to aide homeowner's in the purchase of renewable energy systems at a lower cost with assistance.

You'd do good to check it out....

Until then I would use the generator and not the " extension cord" method at all.  

Answer 5

Your Boyfriend is a lucky guy.

The best way to do it is install a 'load center" in the shed,

but it's a fairly big job.

A 50A. 2P. breaker i your service panel, 3 #6+G. 'UF'" cable to the shed,

(overhead or underground in a trench),and a 60A. 6Pole sub panel in the

shed. #6 Cu. ground wire to a ground rod at the shed. GFCI breakers in

the panel. #12 romex to shed outlets.

Maybe you'd rather use the genny.

Answer 6

The best method is to place another circuit in your house breaker box and run that line, overhead or buried, to the shed. That way, you can wire up a few outlets and a light or two.

Running extension cords from the house to the shed isn't really very safe and should only be a temporary measure.

You could use the generator but how much fuel does it consume and how often would you be needing the power?