Shed Power in Perth: Wiring a Shed, Garage or Workshop
Shed power is one of the most requested jobs Perth electricians take on, and for good reason: a shed, garage or workshop with proper lighting and power is far more useful than one running off an extension lead from the house. Here is how shed power is done safely, what to think about, and the six things to decide before you wire up.
Why proper shed power beats an extension lead Running a shed off a lead trailed across the yard is unsafe and against the rules. Permanent shed power means a dedicated, RCD-protected circuit, correctly rated cable, and a sub-board where the shed has several circuits, giving you reliable lighting and power points without nuisance tripping or fire risk.
6 things to decide before wiring shed power
- How far the shed is from the main switchboard
- What you will run: lights, power points, a fridge, power tools, a welder
- Whether a sub-board in the shed makes sense
- Single phase or three phase for heavy workshop machinery
- Overhead cable vs underground in conduit (usually underground)
- RCD protection and compliant, outdoor-rated fittings
Overhead vs underground shed power Shed power can run overhead on a catenary wire or, more commonly and tidily, underground in conduit at the required depth. Underground is protected from weather and mowers and looks far better, though it needs trenching. Your electrician will recommend the best route for your yard and the load you plan to run. Trench depth and conduit type both have to meet the wiring rules, which is part of why this is a licensed job.
Shed power for workshops and three phase tools If your workshop runs serious machinery such as a large compressor, welder or three phase tools, standard shed power may not be enough, and a heavier supply or three phase upgrade can be added. Planning the load up front means the cable and sub-board are sized correctly the first time, not retrofitted later.
Keeping shed power safe and compliant All shed power must be installed by a licensed electrician with proper RCD protection, as the state’s Building and Energy requires for new circuits. Done correctly, your shed is safe, compliant and ready for whatever you plug into it for years to come.
What it costs to wire a shed Shed jobs are quoted per site because so much depends on distance and load, but the main cost drivers are the trench length from the main board, the cable size, whether you need a sub-board, and whether the shed runs single or three phase. A simple lighting-and-power run is modest; a fully kitted workshop is a larger job. We give you a fixed price up front after a quick look at the run.
Lighting and power points for a usable shed Think about how you will actually use the space: bright, even LED lighting for a workshop, plenty of double power points at bench height, weatherproof outlets for outdoor jobs, and a dedicated circuit for anything heavy. Planning this up front means you are not adding outlets one at a time later.
Do not forget the main switchboard Adding a new circuit draws from your existing supply, so an older or full main switchboard may need attention before the shed is connected. A quick check at quoting stage avoids nuisance tripping once the shed is in daily use.
Want reliable shed power at your Perth property?
ACS Electrical wires sheds, garages and workshops across the metro, from lighting and power points to sub-boards and underground supply. See our power point installation service, underground power supply service or residential electrician service. Call 0419 967 838.