Can an Outbuilding Have Electricity?

A garden shed in the backyard of a residential property, with the door open and the tools placed in an orderly fashion inside. 

The addition of power to your shed can add functionality and possibly market value to your property. As beneficial as it may be to have lights, heat, and outlets in your shed, installing power may be a significant task. Before you begin, there are several crucial factors to consider, including residential electrician Perth,  local legislation, potential safety issues, and your power supply. 

In this post, we will examine each of these important concerns and provide recommendations for addressing each one. 

Electricity to Your Shed: Restrictions and Dangers 

Before taking any additional measures to install electricity to your shed, you must first check the zoning restrictions in your area. Although most places enable the installation of power in a shed, you will likely need a permit to do so. Obtaining the proper permits before beginning the project can save you time and money, as you won't have to deal with delays or fines once the job is complete. 

In addition to legislation, safety should be a primary concern. Even for an experienced electrician, working with live electricity is an exceedingly hazardous endeavour; thus, before attempting this project on your own, consider contacting a certified professional for assistance. Few money saved are not worth the possibility of lifelong disability or worse. Hiring a pro will ensure that the task is conducted safely and in accordance with the standards. 

What Options Do I Have for Adding Electricity to a Shed? 

The sort of electricity you will use to power your shed is one of the final major considerations. The three most prevalent choices are a generator, solar panels, and hardwiring the shed to the main electricity system. Depending on your demands, each choice has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Connecting a Generator to a Shed: Using a generator to power your shed is one of the simplest solutions. However, it is essential that the generator not be placed or used inside the shed. Operating a generator in such a confined space is hazardous since poisonous gases can quickly collect and cause death. In addition, you will need to find an appropriate location to store your generator when it is not in use, as exposing it to the outdoors poses additional risks to you and your property. While a generator may appear to be a straightforward answer, it is actually the most labor-intensive and expensive source of power. On a regular basis, the generator will need to be maintained, repaired, and refuelled. 

Using a Solar Panel for Shed Electricity: If you opt to use solar power, you'll need to evaluate your shed's wattage hours demand in order to purchase panels of the suitable size. One of the greatest advantages of solar panels is also one of their greatest disadvantages. Because solar panels rely on the sun to produce energy, the position of your shed will affect its effectiveness. If your shed is located beneath a tree line or in an area that receives little direct sunshine during the day, electricity output will be drastically reduced. 

Electricity for a Shed: The most dependable and secure method is to have electricity installed by a professional utilising your main electrical panel as the supply. This will supply steady electricity throughout the year without the risks associated with a generator or the possibility of a decline in solar energy production due to decreasing sunlight. The greatest disadvantages of running electrical wire to your shed are the inherent hazard of attempting to do it yourself, the inconvenience of digging trenches to bury conduit, and the necessity of ensuring that the job complies with local code requirements. 

Provide Power to Your Shed 

Whether you prefer tinkering in the backyard or having a separate workshop away from the house, having power in your shed can be extremely handy and convenient. However, because to the inherent dangers of working with electricity, wiring your shed is a task best left to a professional.