Entertaining in your backyard can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, ensuring you have the proper electrical wiring to power lights, music, appliances, and more can get expensive. Follow this guide to learn how to wire your backyard properly on a budget.
Research Local Building Codes and Permit Requirements
The first step is understanding your local building codes and permit requirements for outdoor electrical work. Failing to obtain a permit when needed can result in fines or force you to remove unapproved work later.
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Contact your local building/permit office to learn about permit rules in your area. Permits are often required for new circuits, but may be waived for minor work like adding an outlet to an existing circuit.
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Read your local electrical code book. It provides important rules like outlet spacing, proper wire sizing, and fuse/breaker requirements. Reference the National Electrical Code (NEC) if local codes aren't available.
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Consider hiring a licensed electrician if you're uncomfortable determining code requirements yourself. They can ensure permit applications and work comply with regulations.
Map Out Your Electrical Needs
Determining your backyard electrical needs is essential for planning. Consider:
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Lighting: Pathway, deck, patio, tree, security lights. Use efficient LED bulbs.
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Music: Speakers, amplifiers, volume controls. Place speakers strategically for best sound distribution.
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Entertainment: TVs, projectors and screens, video game systems, WiFi routers. Place TVs under cover to protect from weather.
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Cooking: Grills, smokers, pizza ovens, refrigerators, blenders. Have enough outlets spaced properly to avoid tripping breakers.
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Water features: Pools, hot tubs, fountains, landscape lighting. May require dedicated high voltage circuits.
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Outdoor living spaces: Fans, space heaters, bug zappers. Place outlets conveniently while following code spacing requirements.
Make a list of all desired electrical items and note their wattages. This determines how much power you'll need.
Choose Appropriate Wire Size
Selecting wire that's too small can cause fires or power loss. Follow NEC guidelines:
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15 amp circuits: Use #14 AWG copper wire for lighting, outlets.
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20 amp circuits: Use #12 AWG copper wire for higher power items like grills, fountains.
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For long wire runs over 100 feet, increase wire gauge or double up cables.
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Use GFCI protected and weatherproof outlets and covers outdoors.
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Direct bury rated UF cable 12-18 inches underground for neater appearance.
An electrician can recommend proper wire size based on your electrical needs.
Decide on New Circuits vs Expanding Existing Ones
Running all new circuits provides dedicated power but costs more in materials. Extending existing circuits from the house is cheaper but risks overloading.
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Examine current electrical panel layout and usage to determine available capacity for new circuits.
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Running 1-2 new 20 amp circuits for backyard needs is ideal for most homes.
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Alternatively, tap off existing 15 amp circuits closest to backyard like kitchen, laundry, bathroom.
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Avoid using only 1 or 2 existing circuits for everything to prevent tripping breakers often.
Consult an electrician if your main panel is already near capacity. A subpanel or upgrade may be needed to add circuits.
Install New Wiring Yourself or Hire an Electrician
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If comfortable with electrical work, you can save money doing it yourself. Follow code requirements and get needed permits.
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For more complex projects, consider hiring a licensed electrician. Get quotes from 3+ contractors prior to ensure fair pricing.
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Have an electrician at least inspect your work if doing it yourself, before covering and energizing new wiring.
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Friends or family who are knowledgeable about electrical work are another affordable option to review DIY work or assist.
Improper electrical work can present serious fire and shock hazards, so exercise caution.
Choose Cost Effective Lighting and Equipment
The items you power on new circuits also impact your budget.
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LED lighting uses much less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts longer.
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Buy EnergyStar rated appliances like TVs and speakers for efficiency.
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Consider lower voltage landscape lighting around paths, trees and garden beds. It's safer and uses less power.
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Space heaters should have auto shut-off features. Only use when area is occupied.
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Buy heavy duty extension cords to ensure safety and efficiency.
Rent or borrow infrequently used items like movie projectors rather than buying.
Summary
With proper planning and safe execution, you can wire your backyard for entertaining without busting your budget. Determine your electrical needs, follow local codes, install new circuits and equipment safely and efficiently. An upgraded outdoor space allows you to better enjoy time spent with family and friends.