How to Run Power to a Detached Shed

A detached shed is a convenience that can be used for a number of different things. You may need extra storage, a place to store a vehicle or a place to work on special projects. Regardless of your reason for building a shed, it will help to have access to power in the shed to allow for light, heat, cooling and the use of tools. Running power to your shed is not difficult with the proper tools.

Shovel
2-inch PVC pipe
PVC joints
PVC pipe epoxy
Hacksaw or hobby saw
Extension cord
Metal Tamp
Electric drill
2-inch hole-cutting drill bit
Foam insulation
Multi-socket power box

Instructions

- 1
  Locate an exterior outlet adjacent to the shed and dig a trench at lead 6 inches deep from the outlet to your shed.
- 2
  Cut a length of PVC pipe that is 2 inches in diameter with a hacksaw; the pipe needs to run the length of the trench. Join any separate pieces of pipe -- if required to meet the length -- with PVC joints. Glue any joints in place with PVC pipe epoxy.
- 3
  Feed an extension cord through the pipe. Allow for at least 6 inches of slack on the outlet side of the cord and enough cord on the she side to go halfway up a wall.
- 4
  Cover the pipe trench with dirt and use a metal tamp to pack the ground down above the pipe.
- 5
  Drill a 2-inch hole into the side of the shed at the point in the wall that you want to have power; use a 2-inch hole-cutting drill bit. Run the extension cord through the hole. Fill any openings in the shed with insulated foam to protect from the weather.
- 6
  Secure a multi-socket power box to the wall that you have the cord running to. Plug the cord into the box to power it.

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