How to Set Up Electrical Wiring for Your Backyard Chicken Coop

Setting up electrical wiring in your backyard chicken coop allows you to provide lighting, power fans or heaters, run automatic coop door openers, or even automate feeders and waterers. Having electricity in your chicken coop makes keeping chickens easier and more convenient.

Planning the Electrical Setup

Before wiring your coop, you'll need to plan out what electrical devices and appliances you want to install. Consider the following:

Lighting

• Install LED lights for bright, energy-efficient illumination inside the coop.
• Use a timer to control the lights, simulating daylight cycles.
• Place lights both inside the coop and in the run.

Outlets and Switches

• Install outlets to plug in devices like fans, heaters, or automatic coop door openers.
• Have switches to control the lights and outlets.
• Use GFCI outlets for safety around water sources.

Fans and Heaters

• Fans circulate air and keep chickens cool in summer.
• Heaters provide warmth in winter.
• Choose energy efficient models sized appropriately for the space.

Automatic Coop Door Opener

• An automatic door opener opens and closes the coop door on a schedule.
• This provides ventilation and lets chickens access the run.

Once you've decided what electricals you need, you can plan the wiring.

Electrical Safety Codes for Chicken Coops

Any electrical work done must adhere to local building codes and electrical safety standards. Some key requirements include:

• Use proper gauge wires for the electric load.
• Install a dedicated electrical circuit with GFCI protection.
• Use exterior rated boxes, conduits, and fittings.
• Follow minimum workspace clearance around electrical panels.
• Use dust-tight boxes, fittings, and fans in the coop interior.

Consult a qualified electrician if you are unfamiliar with wiring codes. Failing to follow codes could create fire and electrocution risks.

Running Power to the Chicken Coop

To wire electricity to your chicken coop:

Underground Power

• Bury wiring at the proper underground depth.
• Use PVC conduit to protect wires.
• Ensure wires entering coop are protected.

Overhead Power

• Install wires overhead and attach to coop.
• Use insulated, weatherproof wiring.
• Install a conduit or disconnect box to transition inside.

Using a Subpanel

• Install a subpanel to split the main circuit.
• Run wiring from the main panel to the subpanel.
• Distribute wiring to coop from subpanel.

Hire an electrician if you lack experience with supply wiring.

Wiring the Coop Interior

Inside the chicken coop, follow these guidelines:

Use Proper Wiring

• Use UF-B wiring rated for damp locations.
• Select wire gauge sized for the electric load.
• Run wires through conduit for protection.

Install Lighting

• Place LED lights for good illumination in coop and run.
• Use timers, switches, and dimmers to control lights.

Add Switches and Outlets

• Install interior wall switches to control lights, fans, etc.
• Place outdoor rated outlets in the coop and run.
• Use GFCI outlets near water sources.

Mount Electrical Boxes Properly

• Use exterior rated, dust-tight electrical boxes.
• Mount at least 4 feet above floor level.
• Provide at least 3 feet clearance around panels.

Follow all electrical codes for safety.

Sample Wiring Setup

Here is an example wiring setup:

• 100 amp subpanel mounted on coop exterior wall
• Power fed underground through 1" PVC conduit
• Lights installed on ceiling and walls of coop and run
• Exterior outlet in run for fans/heaters
• Interior outlets for door opener and accessories
• Switches mounted 4 feet high to control lights
• 12 gauge UF-B wiring used throughout

This provides overhead ceiling lights on a timer, switched outlets, and power ports inside and outside the coop for accessories.

Completing the Installation

Once wiring is complete, finish the job:

• Attach cover plates on boxes and outlets.
• Affix conduit covers for protected runs.
• Label circuit breakers in the panel.
• Test GFCI outlets to ensure proper function.
• Verify light timers and switches work properly.
• Close up any wiring holes with exterior caulk.

Check that wiring is tidy and secured. Energize the system and test all electrical devices. The coop wiring should now be ready to electrify your flock's home!