How to Install Power to a Garden Shed

How to provide electrical power to a garden shed for a light and outlets. © By: Dave Rongey

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Wiring a Shed

Electrical Project: I am installing a sub panel in a garden shed. I bought a GE DEH41160 panel.

How to Wire Sub Panel for a Shed

Jason’s Home Wiring Project:

• Installing a sub panel in a garden shed.
• I bought a GE DEH41160.
• I just want to run 110 to it for some outlets and a light in the shed.
• The panels manual shows 3 wires running into the panel (hot,neut,ground) but the manual is black and white and they do not indicate which is which and there are no markings on the panel.
• I do not know what bus is what.

Single-phase, 3-wire, 125 Amp 240 VAC GE DEH41160 Panel

Wiring Configuration for a GE DEH41160 Sub Panel

Wiring a GE DEH41160 Panel for a Shed

This request came from Jason in Tacoma, Washington.

Dave’s Reply:

Thanks for your sharing your electrical wiring project Jason.

How to Wire a Sub Panel

• Application: How to Wire a Sub Panel.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
• Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
• Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
• Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Sub Panel, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
• Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Sub Panel should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
• Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific area of Washington. A permit and inspections may also be required.

How to Wire a Sub Panel in a Shed

This electrical wiring project is about how to provide electrical power to a garden shed for a light and outlets.

Sub Panel How to Wire

Jason, from the information you have provided:

• In your question, you have described a sub panel which is a  Single-phase, 3-wire, 125 Amp 240 VAC panel – which far exceeds what is needed for a few basic 120 volt outlets and a light in a small garden shed.
• You have not provided information about what size or type wiring has been installed to the shed, or the power source that you plan to install.
• You may consider installing a GFCI outlet as the main connection point for the power source, then wiring to the additional outlet, and light switch, and then the light.
  

  A GFCI Outlet Provides Ground Fault Protection

The Following Resources may Assist You with this Request:
Wiring a Shed with Outlets and a Light
Wiring a Shed with Outlets and a Light. I put in 4 outlets and now wiring the light switch and the fixture.

Install an Electrical Sub Panel
Thinking about installing a Sub Panel? Here is what must be considered first, and you may find that you really do not need a sub panel at all.

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