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Electrical Wire and Cable


Why a Shed Has Lost Power and the Repair Process

How to Repair Lost Electrical Power to an Outdoor Shed: Guide to Repair Lost Power to a Shed


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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Guide to Repair Lost Power to a Shed
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have lost power to my shed. I have underground cable that has been working for the past ten years.

Thanks for your help!

This electrical wiring question came from: Ralph, a Homeowner from Providence, Rhode Island.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical troubleshooting question Ralph.

How to Repair Lost Electrical Power to an Outdoor Shed

More about Electrical Wiring for your Shed:

Using Electrical Testers
digital-tester

For more information about Lost Power
Lost power
Lost power


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.


More articles about Electrical Troubleshooting, Lost Power to Shed and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

4 Responses to “Why a Shed Has Lost Power and the Repair Process”
  1. mike says:

    My shed is around 100 ft. from my house and I have the under ground wire running off the garage out door light. Every thing works great until it rains which then my 20 amp breaker in the house breaker box trips every time. It does not trip when it snows or light moisture. How can I check this out.
    Thanks Mike

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Mike,
    You may want to check the connections at the house to the shed wiring and make sure they are made properly, well insulated and protected. You do not mention what method was used to install the cable to the shed, however it is best to install USE or Direct Burial cable at the appropriate depth, or install approved electrical wiring that is installed in conduit at the approved depth. Continuity and amperage load tests can be made to determine if the wiring is damaged. Underground wiring that is damaged will cause voltage leaks that are very dangerous. Until the problem is corrected the circuit should be disconnected or at least provide GFCI protection.
    Be Safe!
    Dave

  3. mike says:

    Hi my question is what are the requirements to run 100 ft of under ground wire to my shed to be safe, what size wire, how deep and do i need a grounding wire ect. I have several lights, several outlets and i run a heater during winter time also a air conditioner in summer time . I just found the nick in the old wire and want to replace the whole thing this spring, someone else installed the last wire so i,m not sure of anything, i just want it right and safe. Thanks again, Mike.

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Mike,
    The electrical circuit to be installed to your shed that will have the capacity to support all of the items you have briefly described can only be determined by calculating the Total Connected Load for all of these items, and then deciding what type of wiring method you wish to install which will have a direct impact on the trenching requirements. That is how a circuit for a shed is calculated. And Mike, the cool thing about this website is how I have provided so many resources where you could look this up for yourself, and better yet, my new Electrical eBook has ALL of this information ready for you, complete with the very important electrical codes that apply to your shed wiring project.
    Dave