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Wiring an Outbuilding


Installing Electrical Wiring for an Outbuilding: How to Size and Calculate an Electric Panel for an Outbuilding, Online Electrical Load Calculator and Voltage Drop Calculator.

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Electric Wiring for an Outbuilding
Electrical Question #1 I want to run a wire from my cottage out to a 9 x 12 outbuilding that will have a bedroom.

I intend on having probably 4 plugs, one outdoor light, and a ceiling fan and light. I would like to run a 1500 watt  space heater (approximate size) from one of the plugs periodically. The main electrical line needs to run about 100 yards out from the cottage and the main electric service panel. How many amps would I need on that circuit and do I need to run thicker wire to run that far?

This home electrical wiring question came from John in Canada.

Electrical Question #2

This electrical wiring question came from Johnny, a Homeowner in Kinder, Louisiana.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electric wiring questions.

John, the electrical circuits for an outbuilding must be carefully planned out so all of the wiring will be correctly identified and installed to make your outbuilding project is safe and according to code. This information will help you prepare for your outbuilding project.

Preparations for Wiring an Outbuilding

How to Size an Electric Panel for an Outbuilding

IMPORTANT: If the electrical circuits for the outbuilding have not been well planned and installed correctly using the right methods and materials then the circuit will be vulnerable to breakdown and damage.

More about Electrical Wiring for a Outbuilding

Home Electrical Wiring Codes
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The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

One Response to “Wiring an Outbuilding”
  1. roger durre says:

    Can I run 2 wires for a 220 volt service using a ground rod for the common and the ground?