Is it possible to run my small cabin off of my mothers house's electricity next door? Is this legal?

Question

The cabin is in the same yard as my mothers house, however i cannot afford to install electricity for my own house is it possible to share hers?

Answer 1

We did this. Run a spare box with six breakers, one 240 from the main, with no. six wire. Easy and simple.

Answer 2

Sure, if you only plan to use lights a simple extension cord will work, but if you plan to use appliances and such you'll need a mains fuse box connected to your moms mains box.

Answer 3

If it is on the same property, the National Electrical Code regards this as an Accessory Structure or Out-building. It would be allowed to have power supplied from the panel of the Main Dwelling Unit (your Mother's house).

It would need to have a means of disconnect at the accessory structure; and the wire size for the feeders would be determined by doing a load calculation for the structure.

The Service to your Mother's house would possibly require upgrading; the total electrical load for the 2 structures cannot exceed that of the existing service (measured in Amperes).

You would begin by multiplying the square footage of your dwelling by 3 watts (actually, to be technically correct, 3 volt Amps). To that you must add appliance and other loads; this is best done by a qualified electrical contractor, to be certain that everything is sized correctly (conductors, feeder conductors, disconnecting means, and panel ampacity; to name a few). After you have a total electrical load for the accessory structure, you must do the same for the main dwelling unit. Add the two figures together, and that would be the minimum service size required for the main dwelling. (Remember, that if the total exceeds a standard meter or load center size, you must go with the next largest standard size. You will also want to check with the local electrical utility provider; they are not governed by the NEC, so they may also have some rules you need to know about in advance.)

An accessory structure with 3 or more circuits requires a minimum of a 60 Amp feeder panel (sub-panel), and a ground rod or other electrode at the accessory structure. The grounding electrode must be bonded to the case of the sub-panel; and the neutral bonding jumper in the sub-panel must be removed.

The final decision as to whether or not this is allowed will be made by your local Authority Having Jurisdiction. It may come down to a Zoning Issue; most properties are zoned to have only one single family dwelling unit constructed on them. You may have to prove that the property is capable of being subdivided at some point in the future. How much frontage is required for each lot, what the minimum lot size (in square feet) is that is allowed for the Zoning Classification for that address is, how much of a particular parcel is allowed to be built on (floor area ratio), and even whether there is an address available to assign to the new property if it is divided are all factors.

The fact is; it is not so much a problem of whether you are allowed to supply electrical power to the "cabin", as it is of working within the Local Building Code & Zoning Ordinances. Talk to someone at your City or County Building Department and ask them this question first. You will probably be required to apply for, and be granted, a Zoning Variance; that is not always a sure bet. After the City Council says yes, then, and only then, should you start spending any money on this project.

Answer 4

yes it is perfectly legal as long as she gives you permission. You will need someone to run the wires to her switch box.

Answer 5

it's possible. i've seen home water diverted and used from a well and home gas coming from propane grill tanks. as far as i know, it's not illegal as long as you aren't stealing from someone unknowingly.

Answer 6

very possible, it only not legal if you steal it ,with out  her consent ,   use a pro to install it  for you