Complete Guide to Wiring Your Shed

Follow along as I dig up a trench, install some electrical outlets, and power up the subpanel in my shed. We'll go over the different options for wiring or running electricity to your shed, how much it will cost, and practical advice for getting the most functionality out of your space.

I am not a licensed electrician, so please consult with your local code enforcement agency before starting your project.

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[ssovxfz]

You're the best at many projects, especially electrical. I've been watching all these guys who say they're electricians and they leave so much out of theie projects. Don't stop.

[bsmith]

As a long time electrician I can say is You did a great job. PVC would have been cheaper. As soon as you hit that hard pack I would would have (A) rented a trencher or (B) ran RMC after doing a value study. RMC only needs 6 inch cover.

[josejopez]

Great job man! I hand dug my trench too. About 90 feet long and 2 feet deep... Definitely a good workout haha. Great to see a lot of guys doing this kind of project, it'll definitely add value to the property.

[TOMMYMAY]

This is an excellent overall video. I may do things a bit differently on the conduit but I really appreciate where you went into the pros and cons; and the description of the panel box and the overall electrical information “behind” the project. Thanks for sharing.

[stevenn]

Honestly one of the best tutorials I've seen for this topic. Thank you

[Gnap]

as soon as I saw the Spectrum box on the outside of your home, I knew it was a good video. all kidding aside . great video.

[keithharrington]

A couple things to consider when doing this project.

Talk with a pro about permit requirements and maybe exchange some cash for some knowledge on how to do it smartly.

There are plenty of electrical rules. Someone that does that work may have already solved your future problem 5 times last month.

While your trench is open consider 11/2 in conduit for a future up to about 200 Amp service and several 3/4 or 1 in conduits for future use:

One conduit for a data connection to your home office / server for your business

One conduit for cable tv

One conduit for 2 warning lights....one in the house for problems in the garage and one in the garage for problems in the house (a dinner bell in a noisy garage).

With the trench open, any depth requirement can be met, but do it later and re-dig your trench.

[burtburt]

Good video. But it did make my back hurt while you were digging and picking the dirt. You also answered my question about the grounding rods. Thanks again...

[AlanMabrey]

Great job on the tutorial very informative.

[TonyFreeman-LocoTonyF]

Great video. Thanks for the info. I am getting ready to do this job from my shed to my shop. 👍

[coolvideos]

Awesome video! A lot of good information that was clear and to the point!!

[tiggeroush]

NM cable has to be secured within 12 inch NEC 334.30. Unless the box does not secure the cable. NEC 314.17(2) and the Exception. If the box does not have a way to secure the NM cable to it, then it must be fastened with in 8 inches. Going through a 2X4 is not fastened because the 2X4 provides Supporting but not fastening. Only a very few inspectors ever catch this. Good video, I give you a thumbs up.

[tclodfelter]

Looks good... nice explanations...Would have liked to seen HOW you put the grounding rods in!?

[Dan-ozqb]

Nice work. Thanks for making the video.

[juppman]

Looks good, been doing stuff like this recently.

I love how "14 inches" isn't code but clearly enough.. like bruh... those last 4 inches are the worst yo

[KevinCoop]

You did an excellent job of following the NEC. I would have preferred a purchased ground bar rather than removing the link for the two neutral bars. Questions, Why did you not connect the neutral to the lug on the left bar? Did you install the bonding screw or tab from the right bar to the can of the panel? I could not see that in the video. Again, very well done video and project!

[jaycahow]

Couple of quesyions :
1) if you went through all the trouble to dig a trench why not run another conduit with CAT6 wire for Internet Jacks or an Access Point in the shed?

2?) Did you bury Yellow Caution Tape six inches above the conduit when you filled in the trench?

3) Was the wire you ran in the conduit underground rated in case the conduits leaks and gets water in it?

[luvdady]

Yeah about the string, rum multiple strings, and then tie the string to a heavy rope and then you will have no problem at all

[johndavies]

When you back feed a breaker and intend to use it as a main disconnect for your panel the breaker has to be bolted in even if it is a snap in or plug in type breaker.

[stephenkratowicz]

Great video! But I am confused/surprised by one thing. You installed two ground rods at the shed and also tied your subpanel grounding bus back to the main panel ground bus. Doesn't this create a ground loop? I.e., if you had a lightning strike nearby there could be a voltage difference in the ground between the ground rods at your shed and at your main panel. That would cause current to run through your grounding system. I'm curious if any electricians reading this can comment: don't you want to have your grounding system have only one path to ground? It sounds like you had your work inspected and it passed inspection. Presumably your electrical inspector knows more about this than I do, so maybe I am missing some detail. Just thought I'd ask... Thanks for the video!