To add functionality and even resale value to your property, your shed can most likely have electricity run to it. Running electricity to a shed can be a big undertaking, though it is helpful as having lights, heat, and outlets in your shed. There are a few important things to consider before you get started, such as regulations in your area, potential safety hazards, and picking your power source. Today, we at Burley Electrical Services would like to discuss running the electricity to a shed.
What Do I Need to Run Electrical to My Shed?
Before taking any further steps to add electricity to your shed, the first thing you need to do is check your area’s zoning regulations. You will most likely need a permit to do so, although most areas will allow electricity to be installed in a shed. You won’t have to worry about delays or deal with fines once the project is completed by having the necessary permit(s) in place prior to starting the project can save you time and money.
Why Electrical Safety is So Important
Before attempting this project yourself, consider reaching out to trained professional for help, working with live electricity is an extremely dangerous process, even for a trained electrician. A few dollars are not worth the risk of permanent injury, or worse. Electricians will ensure the job is completed safely and meets the proper regulations.
How Do You Power a Shed Workshop?
The type of electricity you’ll use to power your shed is one of the last big hurdles to consider. Using generator, solar panels, or permanent wiring the shed to your main electrical panel are the options to power your shed. Each option brings its own set of pros and cons, depending on your needs.
1) Generator. To power your shed, one of the easiest options is to use a generator. It’s important to not put and operate the generator inside the shed, however. A dangerous environment as deadly fumes quickly accumulates and can lead to death is created when operating a generator in such a closed environment. Because exposing it to the elements can cause other risks to you and your property, you’ll also need to find suitable storage for your generator when not in use as well. It is also the most labor intensive and most expensive type of power to use, though a generator seems simple enough to use. On a regular basis, generator will need to be maintained, serviced and filled with fuel.
2) Solar Energy. You can buy the appropriately sized panels to meet your electricity needs, if you decide to go with solar power, you’ll need to calculate your shed’s wattage hours demand. Their usefulness will be impacted by the location of your shed since solar panels are reliant on the sun to produce power. Electricity production will be significantly reduced if your shed is under a tree line or in a location that does not receive much direct sunlight throughout the day.
3) Running Electricity. Using your main electrical panel as the source is the most reliable and safest option will be to have electricity professionally installed. Without the risks associated with a generator or potential decreased solar power production caused by less sunlight, this will provide consistent, year-round power. The danger of trying to do it yourself, the hassle of digging trenches to bury conduit, and ensuring the job meets local code specifications are the biggest drawbacks to running electrical wiring to your shed.
Electrical Wiring Inspections & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you decide power to your shed will benefit you, be sure to call in the experts of Burley Electrical Services to ensure it is done right and safe!
