Having a garden shed is great for storage and workspace. However, in order to make full use of the shed, you'll likely want to wire it up with electricity. The good news is that wiring a shed is totally doable even if you have no prior electrical experience. With some planning, safe practices, and helpful tips, you can successfully wire up your shed in no time.
Gather the Required Materials
Before starting any electrical project, you'll need to gather the required materials. Here's what you'll need to wire a basic garden shed:
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Romex cable - 12/2 or 14/2 NM cable is sufficient for most shed wiring jobs. Make sure you get enough cable length to run from your main electrical panel to the shed.
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Breaker - A 30 amp or 50 amp double pole breaker is commonly used for sheds. Match the breaker amperage to the wire size you selected.
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Wire staples or clips - To securely fasten the cable while running it to your shed.
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Metal boxes - Electrical boxes for installing fixtures, switches and receptacles. Plastic boxes should not be used for shed wiring.
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Conduit - Rigid metal or PVC conduit to protect any underground cable runs.
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GFCI outlet - At least one GFCI outlet is required for outdoor installations.
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Standard outlets and switches - Regular outlets and light switches of your desired quantity.
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Wire nuts - For connecting wires together.
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Cable clamps - For securing the cable where it enters the electrical boxes.
Having all of these materials ready will make the installation process go faster and smoother.
Run Power from the Main Panel
The first step is getting power from your main electrical panel out to the shed. Here are two options for running the power cable:
Underground
For an underground run, bury 12/2 direct burial rated cable at least 18 inches deep. Run it through PVC conduit under any walkways or driveways to protect the cable. Use waterproof conduit fittings.
Overhead
For an overhead run, use cable rated for outdoor use such as NM wire and securely fasten it with cable staples. Keep it high enough to avoid contact with people and equipment passing underneath. Use conduit for any places the cable crosses over walkways.
Important Safety Tip
Make sure the power is shut off at the main panel before doing any work!
Install a Subpanel in the Shed
Once the power cable is run to the shed, you'll need to install a subpanel to distribute and control power in the shed:
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Mount a small metal load center or breaker panel box securely inside the shed.
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Connect the power cable you ran from the house using cable clamps.
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Connect the ground wire to the grounding bar.
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Connect the hot wires to the main breaker.
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Neatly organize all the wires, leaving some extra length.
Having a subpanel with multiple breakers allows you to protect each circuit in the shed separately.
Run Circuits and Outlets
Next you can start running cable and installing electrical boxes for lights, outlets and switches:
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Run 14/2 cable from the subpanel to outlet and switch locations.
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Use metal boxes secured to wall studs for mounting the outlets and switches.
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Make sure all connections are secure and insulate them with wire nuts.
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Label the wire ends so you know which ones to connect together.
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Drill cable holes properly lined up with the knockouts on the electrical boxes.
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Secure the cables tightly with cable clamps where they enter the boxes.
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Attach the outlets, switches and cover plates once the cables are connected.
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Run a ground wire to each box, connecting them to the ground screws.
Key Takeaway
Labeling the wires makes it way easier to keep track of what gets connected together, especially when you're new to wiring!
Install Lighting
Proper lighting is key for any functioning workshop or storage space. Here are some tips for lighting your shed:
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Position box mounted utility lights strategically to brighten up the interior.
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Install exterior wall packs to illuminate the outside and door area of the shed.
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Use surface mounted LED strip lights for inexpensive under cabinet lighting.
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Have at least one switch to control the interior lighting fixtures.
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Install individual switches near any exterior lights for easy access and control.
Proper lighting will make working in the shed much easier and safer. Plus it just makes the space more inviting!
Incorporate GFCI Protection
Any outdoor receptacles or outlets in a damp location must be GFCI protected for safety. Here are a few options for adding GFCI protection in a shed:
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Install a GFCI outlet first in each circuit run.
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Connect lights and fans to regular outlets after the GFCI.
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Use a GFCI circuit breaker in the subpanel instead of outlets.
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Use a portable GFCI adapter at the first outlet if you don't want to replace it.
GFCI protection is an important safety requirement that prevents electrocution and shock hazards.
Do a Final Check and Power Up!
You're almost ready to start using your wired up shed! Follow these final steps first:
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Check that all connections are tight with no exposed copper wire.
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Secure all cables properly with staples or clips.
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Put wire nut caps on any unused wire ends.
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Ensure all electrical boxes are properly secured and closed.
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Replace fuse or turn main breaker back on.
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Plug in a test lamp or radio to verify power to the outlets.
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Turn lights on to confirm the switches work properly.
Take the time to check your work - this is crucial to avoid safety issues or fires once the power is live!
Success!
Now you can plug in, turn on, and enjoy your newly electrified, properly wired garden shed! Just follow basic electrical safety and your shed wiring should provide many years of trouble free use.