Fishing tackle sheds provide anglers a convenient place to store gear, but they also come with some risks if not wired properly. As someone who loves fishing, I want my tackle shed fully outfitted, but safety is my top concern. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how I safely wired my tackle shed from start to finish.
Selecting the Right Location
The first step is choosing an appropriate location for the tackle shed. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Away from the house - Don't place the shed too close to your home. Follow local building codes for minimum distance requirements to reduce fire risks.
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Elevated ground - Pick a spot on high ground to avoid flooding. Being flooded with water can electrocute someone or damage equipment.
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Accessible - The location should be easy to access and allow you to get tackle in and out conveniently. Consider how far you'll need to carry gear.
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Shaded - Select a shaded spot under trees to keep the shed cooler in hot weather. This protects the wiring and equipment.
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Level surface - Make sure the ground is flat and level to properly install the shed. Proper installation is key for safety.
After surveying my property, I chose a level shaded area 25 feet from my house that was perfect.
Hiring a Licensed Electrician
I strongly recommend hiring a licensed electrician to handle all wiring in the tackle shed. Although it may cost more upfront, the safety and peace of mind are worth it.
Some key reasons to hire a pro include:
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Expertise - Electricians have the experience to wire things correctly and safely. Mistakes can lead to electrocution or fires.
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Code compliance - Electricians ensure all national and local electrical codes are followed. This passes inspections.
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Safety checks - Licensed electricians test wiring with tools like voltmeters to verify safety. Do-it-yourselfers likely lack the proper equipment.
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Liability - If an accident occurs due to improper wiring, you could be legally liable. Hiring a professional transfers responsibility.
I researched electricians in my area and selected a highly reviewed local company to wire the tackle shed.
Planning the Circuits and Wiring
The electrician will determine the specific circuits, wiring, and components needed based on factors like:
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Purpose - What equipment will be powered in the shed? Outlets, lights, tools, etc.
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Power requirements - The voltage and amps required by each device.
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Breaker panel location - Distance from shed to breaker panel affects wire gauge needed.
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Number of circuits - More low-powered circuits provide better safety than fewer overloaded circuits.
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Wire gauge - Thicker wires safely handle more power. Use the minimum size recommended.
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GFCIs - Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) prevent electrocution and are often required in damp areas.
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Conduit - Outdoor wiring may run through protective conduit piping buried underground.
For my tackle shed, the electrician planned a 60-amp subpanel with multiple 20-amp circuits and GFCI outlets near water sources.
Running and Connecting the Wires
Here is the process for running wires from the breaker panel to the tackle shed:
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Trenching - Bury conduit piping 18+ inches underground between the panel and shed using a trencher.
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Pulling wires - Carefully pull individual wires through the conduit leaving extra length.
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Making connections - Attach wires to the circuit breakers in the main panel and terminals in the tackle shed subpanel.
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Grounding - Ground wires connect to metal rods hammered into the earth or a conducting cold water pipe. Proper grounding is extremely important for safety.
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Outlet boxes - Secure boxes flush into the wall framing and feed wires into them. Leave access for connecting later.
The electrician trenched a path for buried conduit and pulled multiple wires through for the planned circuits. I assisted where needed.
Installing the Subpanel
The tackle shed requires its own subpanel to receive the incoming power feed:
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Mounting - Securely fasten the subpanel to framing or plywood at eye level for easy access.
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Circuit breakers - Snap required branch circuit breakers into the subpanel bus bars. Their amp rating must match the wire gauge.
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Neutral bar - The neutral wires all connect to the neutral bar inside the subpanel. Keep them separate from ground wires.
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Ground bar - The ground wires coming from the conduit and shed equipment ground to the ground bar.
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Feed wire - Feeder wires entering the subpanel connect to the main lugs or main breaker.
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Covers - Replace all covers on the panel box before powering up. This prevents electrocution risk.
With the subpanel installed, the incoming wires were ready to be connected.
Making the Final Connections
The last stage is connecting wires to outlets, lights, and equipment:
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Pigtails - Use short pigtail wires to link circuit wires to devices. This allows disconnecting later safely.
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Outlet wiring - Connect hot (black), neutral (white), and ground wires to outlet terminals.
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Switch wiring - Switches interrupt the hot wire only. Neutral wires stay continuous.
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Fixtures - Connect light fixtures following provided diagrams, securing grounded fittings tightly.
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Appliances - Hardwire or plug in appliances after verifying voltage matches rating.
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Labels - Label all circuits clearly in the panel so you know what each controls.
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Testing - Verify grounding and absence of shorts with a multimeter before powering on.
I watched closely as the electrician made all final connections quickly and professionally. Proper wiring was crucial.
Safety Checklist Before Use
Before putting the tackle shed into service, ensure safety with this checklist:
- Inspect wires for damage, insulation, proper connections, and slack.
- Verify ground rods are driven adequately into undisturbed earth.
- Check for correct wire gauge - never undersize wires.
- Ensure GFCI outlets function properly by pressing their Test buttons.
- Look for loose connections, bare conductors, or faulty parts and repair.
- Flip breakers on and off to check for voltage at outlets.
- Plug in and test appliances one by one, never overloading circuits.
- Keep combustibles and liquids far from electrical sources to prevent fires.
- Post warning signs about potential shock hazards near wet areas.
- Inspect periodically for damage, faulty wiring, or deterioration over time.
I followed this rigorously before storing any tackle to prevent accidents. Ongoing inspections provide peace of mind.
Conclusion
Wiring a tackle shed or any outlet building involves careful planning, high-quality components, and professional installation. But armed with the right knowledge, you can ensure the job is done safely while still powering your gear conveniently. Hiring a licensed electrician guarantees everything meets the latest codes too. Follow this comprehensive guide when wiring your next tackle shed project! Let me know if you have any other questions.