Getting power to my shed...good or bad plan?

[gregfender]

I am having a carport shed (18x21) delivered to my property for my tractor and a couple of implements. I want to have power at the shed for running pressure washer, grinder, etc. when I need to work on things.

I don't particularly want to wire the shed, but I was thinking of putting in a 16' (4' sunk in concrete) 6x6 post next to the entrance and mounting an outdoor 4 outlet power box with a switch for running a flood light up the post.

The power company says as long as the building inspector signs off they can run power out to it sort of like a pigtail connection for a camper.

Has anyone done something like this and how did it work out for you?
I just want power available so I can work in the shade and the dry.

thanks!

 

[grsthegreat]

As long as its only a single circuit, i see no issues with it. I personally would simply install a couple of piggybacked weatherproof boxes with GFCI outlets and approved weatherproof covers. I do this all the time. The other end needs to be protected with an appropriate sized breaker. Wire size depends on how far from main breaker source.

 

[Swiftriver]

It sounds to me like you are talking about a seperate metered service, not wired from your house? Not sure what the codes are were you live, so be sure to check into that. I install pole services like that frequently and the one thing I tell my customers is to think ahead. If there is any chance of building a house, a garage or even a bigger enclosed shed, be sure to size the service for expansion. Better to pay the extra now than to have to replace it in the future. I personally would mount a rain-tight breaker panel under the meter trim. Homeline HOM816M100RB or HOM816M200FTRB is what I normally use. You can then install weatherproof GFI receptacles, switch and floodlight and still have circuit space left for future expansion. Good luck with your project.:thumbsup:

 

[grsthegreat]

It sounds to me like you are talking about a seperate metered service, not wired from your house? Not sure what the codes are were you live, so be sure to check into that. I install pole services like that frequently and the one thing I tell my customers is to think ahead. If there is any chance of building a house, a garage or even a bigger enclosed shed, be sure to size the service for expansion. Better to pay the extra now than to have to replace it in the future. I personally would mount a rain-tight breaker panel under the meter trim. Homeline HOM816M100RB or HOM816M200FTRB is what I normally use. You can then install weatherproof GFI receptacles, switch and floodlight and still have circuit space left for future expansion. Good luck with your project.:thumbsup:

hmm, i didnt get that thought from this post. but if your right, than your right. I couldnt imagine a separate supply just for a shed though.

 

[Craig Clayton]

I also work in the electrical trade but there are local customs and ways of doing things. I would suggest if you want to you might supply the following info.

The new carport were is it located , ie distance to road or drive or power lines or other buildings.
Do you have a home on the property?
How big is the panel in the house?
Might you have to pay if you have a seperate pole service.
Would you want more power in the future ie electric welder or air compressor or lathe.
Do you plan to stay for a short time or forever.
Would the addition of the power pole / outlet go against the ( look ) in your region.

Craig Clayton

 

[magicheater]

As long as its only a single circuit, i see no issues with it. I personally would simply install a couple of piggybacked weatherproof boxes with GFCI outlets and approved weatherproof covers. I do this all the time. The other end needs to be protected with an appropriate sized breaker. Wire size depends on how far from main breaker source.

Exactly, it is just another circuit off your panel. You don't need Congressional approval for that.

 

[gregfender]

It sounds to me like you are talking about a seperate metered service, not wired from your house? Not sure what the codes are were you live, so be sure to check into that. I install pole services like that frequently and the one thing I tell my customers is to think ahead. If there is any chance of building a house, a garage or even a bigger enclosed shed, be sure to size the service for expansion. Better to pay the extra now than to have to replace it in the future. I personally would mount a rain-tight breaker panel under the meter trim. Homeline HOM816M100RB or HOM816M200FTRB is what I normally use. You can then install weatherproof GFI receptacles, switch and floodlight and still have circuit space left for future expansion. Good luck with your project.:thumbsup:

That's it, a separate metered box. The shed is on the other side of my property away from the house. Any idea what a rough estimate would be if I had a qualified electrician set the whole thing up? I can sink and set the pole, but I'll leave the wiring to the pros.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You will need a small outdoor panel that is weather resistant. You will also need a meter base and then the outlets and lights you want. My guess is you will end up with 100 amp service at the pole. If the run is any distance at all, 100' or more, it will be in the $1000 range by the time you buy all the wire, meter base, panel, outlets, lights, pay the electrician, ect.

Also watch out for min charge per month on setups like this. I know a guy who did just this very same thing for a party shelter near a pond and they had a $50 per month charge even if he only used $5 worth of electricity.

Chris

 

[gregfender]

You will need a small outdoor panel that is weather resistant. You will also need a meter base and then the outlets and lights you want. My guess is you will end up with 100 amp service at the pole. If the run is any distance at all, 100' or more, it will be in the $1000 range by the time you buy all the wire, meter base, panel, outlets, lights, pay the electrician, ect.

Also watch out for min charge per month on setups like this. I know a guy who did just this very same thing for a party shelter near a pond and they had a $50 per month charge even if he only used $5 worth of electricity.

Chris

My power company will run the power to the meter at no charge...the benefit of an elect. co-op. I doubt I will use any more than 20' of wire. I am going to get an electrician to come look at things this week...I will krrp everyone posted.

 

[grsthegreat]

My power company will run the power to the meter at no charge...the benefit of an elect. co-op. I doubt I will use any more than 20' of wire. I am going to get an electrician to come look at things this week...I will krrp everyone posted.

is there a transformer within 20 feet of this new proposed panel?

Just cause theres a pole doesnt mean there is a transformer. Im not sure if you have already addressed this issue. Im with a coop also, and a new transformer runs the member $1,800.00. As for the pole, wait to talk with electrician, many different areas require a set height and width...and type of pole to mount panels on.