DIY Guide To Wiring A Shed For Electricity

All My Favorite DIY Electrical Tools - geni.us/GYnAhy4
I just finished building an 8'x12' storage shed and will run through wiring interior lights, exterior lights, duplex outlets, and an exterior GFCI outlet. This will work both if you would like to run a single 120V 20 Amp circuit from your house or if you would like to power off-grid like my use case.
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[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

All My Favorite DIY Electrical Tools - geni.us/GYnAhy4 DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@nalbertgerber9930]

I've said it before, you have the best videos on youtube regarding this stuff.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks so much, I appreciate the support 👍

[@bobbyiv9335]

Dropped this at the perfect time. Literally doing this next week with a 10x12 and have run the 20amp circuit already

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nice! Best of luck on the project 👍

[@SaltMinerOU812]

Perfect timing. Just bought a house and installing a shed in a couple weeks. Gave me some good tips

[@Pallidus_Rider]

I like the slim GFCI. I used those in my Dad's old 1948 house that used to have standard two-prong outlets. Slim GFCI fits nicely in older outlets 👍

[@XXMETAL4LIF3XX]

managed to tuck the wires into it and everything? i have a 1954 house and the wires are all old stiff and brittle.

[@cakekomo]

Can’t wait to watch the other video. I think this is the one I’ve been waiting for. I’ve been waiting for your start to finish doing this exactly but with solar power. 100% off grid.

[@What1zTyme]

Hardest working man on YT. Most talented too!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks so much!

[@davidcarp5935]

He's gonna run out of projects ;-o

[@canneddirt]

Incredibly timely video. Running 10/2 uf-b to my shed and needed advice on style of exterior pull box and internal distribution box. Thank you!

[@joeklee9498]

Thanks!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks so much for the support 🙌

[@randallsears1253]

Great Video! My shed just arrived yesterday. I thought "how the heck do I wire this thing?" Your video is step by step perfect. Thank you!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Awesome, best of luck on the project!

[@Waz-85]

I also found electrical tape around the wagu helps keeping them closed and secure just in case while pushing wires into box, they don’t open

[@FelipeLopez-mn1mu]

Details, details, details, that’s the reason I love watching this video’s thanks

[@Justhuman.19]

THANK YOU SO MUCH I WAS LOOKING FOR A VIDEO LIKE THIS ALL OVER

[@philsmock4943]

Good video, step by step instructions. Good job. Thank you.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@topherswag]

I would have done a regular outlet on the outside of the shed to give u power outside but I would have ran power to the gfci inside the shed so in the case of a nuisance trip the gfci is inside the shed and will be easier to just reset instead of having to walk outside to the gfci to reset it

[@100vg]

My shed has existing buried power to it from an add-on outdoor box on a house brick wall with circuit breakers near the main breaker box. The shed only has 1 or 2 outlets and only one overhead light. It is finished with square ceiling tiles, so I'd have pull ceiling tiles to add another light fixture or two or outlets for LED/Fluorescents, plus an 4' LED light over the workbench. I also want more outlets, so I guess that means removing particleboards to run new Romex for them. Not a job I'm looking forward to because the shed is packed full, but I'll tackle it some day. I do like those LaGrange (I think) outlets you use and I'd use them for new outlets and to replace the old ones. Thanks, Scott.

[@narlycharley]

Recommendation: Milwaukee cable stapler. I recently purchased one and it's SO worth it.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Oh man, that would be AWESOME!

[@narlycharley]

I do a lot of electrical handyman jobs and trust me - well worth the $230. Makes working with Romex more enjoyable. @@EverydayHomeRepairs

[@azcardz1869]

You do some great work man! Good job.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks so much 🙌

[@gunsandcommissions]

This is very helpful, thank you!

[@rogueracing8995]

hello I know your video is old but it's by far one of the best I had seen, would you change the process if the shed is made of metal

[@hassanbazzi3545]

This a great video for reference. Well done. Thank you for sharing

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Happy to help and thanks for the feedback!

[@gr8705]

Nice job. At my previous house, I just needed a light in my 10x12 shed because I had a power outlet within 25 ft of the shed. I bought a solar powered motion sensor flood light, rearranged the configuration to hang from the light from the ceiling and ran the wire for the solar panel to the south side of the shed. The light would automatically come on when I opened the shed door then it would turn itself off when the door was closed.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Not a bad setup 👍, thanks for the feedback!

[@davidcarp5935]

Yep I will do the same this summer, got a solar hanging light, added an in line motion sensor

[@michaeljavert4635]

Awesome video, awesome shed. They'd make a great clubhouse for a kid too. Or above ground man cave for the guy that wants to hide from his other half and kids for a while.

[@anthonyb8405]

Nicely done!

[@usnavyone]

That was great, Thank you so much for the information, I hope my shed comes out as easy, Thanks again!

[@stephenboyer4912]

Since the shed is totally off the grid, are the grounds in the circuit truly grounded? Should you wire the grounds to a copper grounding rod buried in the ground?

[@oliverwright8500]

Yes, you should. Every separate structure should have a ground rod as well. Odd that he forgot since when he did the garage solar setup he mentioned that.

[@thesmallterror]

There are a few things slightly outside of code, but I'm still giving this a pass as it's 99% safe. The GFCI is providing a fake ground to whole system. If there is a case where the ground would be relied on, the GFCI will trip instead. The "GFCI fake ground" is the same procedure you'd use if retrofitting a grounded outlet into a box with no ground wire.

[@RJ-ej1nr]

@@thesmallterror I agree with effectively safe using the GFCI. Codewise, I don't find anything directly applicable. Similar fed outbuildings don't need a grounding electrode if it's only one circuit per 250.32(A)Exception. 250.34(A) says generators with only cord and plug connected equipment do not need a grounding electrode. But a power station is not a generator according to code (a generator converts mechanical energy), but it's not a permanently installed energy storage system either (NEC 706). IMHO, 250.34 is the closest and most sensible approach, which if used, means everything is fine as it's done here.

[@nyetloki]

@@oliverwright8500 Not if it's a single branch circuit, gfci protected, with ground running back to the main structure.

[@michaelkulman7095]

As long as the GFCI with "fake ground" as you put it has a special sticker on it saying "No equipment ground". Or actually I think nowadays you are supposed to have arc fault too...

[@DV-tc1yr]

very cool set up. TY

[@TheSeasickViking]

Thank you, this is very helpful.

[@MAC-ster]

Nice job. I like the idea of "off grid", though that's exactly economical considering the power station requirement. How will it stand up to weather changes? As to the circuit, unless I missed it, there's no actual ground. I'm not an electrician, so not sure how that should be addressed.

[@AJ-ox8ev]

I'm speechless!

[@russrockino-rr0864]

You need to ground your switches, Scott! The way you have it, the cover plate and switches are only when the plate is attached to the box. When you remove the cover, the plate and switches are no longer grounded. Always run a ground from switches to box. Thanks, Russ 29 years in Electrical Trade.

[@cgschow1971]

True. In my house under normal circumstances, all my switches and receptacles are unattached and hanging out of the boxes 😂

[@PhpGtr]

Everybody trying to build a shed who is watching this - LOOK UP! 6:08 There is no ridge beam. But there ARE collar ties, and rafter ties. You must have one system, or the other. Otherwise, literally almost nothing is holding your walls together if a stiff breeze blows, because a roof either hangs off the ridge beam, or it sits on the walls. One good push can send it over.

[@JoeL-zx2tl]

Thank you for the great video

[@mikebenza]

Why no sealant behind the outside box? Water can now run down the face and into your siding where you drilled the hole. Also, you might not store anything in the shed up high, but the next owner may. At 10:14, you had the hot pinched between the pancake box and the exterior light. The box at 13:51 has a punchout removed with an NM clamp on it, but no wire. I think that needs to be plugged.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Agree, the same sealant used for the pancake/exterior light I sealed around the back of the exterior box just leaving a small gap at the bottom just in case any moisture needed to drain out. Thanks for pointing out the other concerns with the time stamps. As always I appreciate the feedback.

[@nyetloki]

A NM clamp is sufficient as a plug.

[@keystoneprepper]

Great simple video…

[@dutch4505]

Hello your one lever on the wago connector was up. Black power wires. Metal box with two switches. I use wago also but I like to use colored tape on the levers.

[@johnnylongfeather3086]

At 10:40 or at 11:39

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, that is probably the biggest design "flaw" I wish they would fix. Even with the lever up it still holds strong (we tested this on prior videos) but does then create a hook that could get caught on other wires which is less than ideal.

[@FTTrainer]

Enjoy your videos. Have you done one on installing whole house surge protection combination breaker for circuit panels with no room?

[@sconzey]

Under what circumstances would you need to add a grounding rod to give the shed an isolated ground ?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I think the only instance where you don't need a grounding rod (or 2) is when you are feeding with a single 120V circuit. This is my understanding but would be good to check with your local inspector.

[@Bob.W.]

You can bury UF cable or thhn in conduit at 12" of cover ( approx 13" depth), if the feed is gfi protected' 20 amp or less, 120v, single circuit. No need to go 24" as long as you don't cross a driveway.

[@smashthings4fun]

I believe you can just direct bury uf cable but still need conduit to the boxes in 12 inches as long its fed from gfci before entering underground. Please correct me if I'm wrong

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks so much for the feedback 👍

[@Bob.W.]

@smashthings4fun yes, but only if subject to physical damage. If pvc it must be schedule 80.

[@nyetloki]

@@Bob.W. Anything less than 8ft above grade and surface mounted is typically considered subject to physical damage

[@Bob.W.]

@nyetloki agreed if it's near cars or roadway. Not surre if it's back yard. Opinions vary. Inspector will have the call.

[@ElijahPrivetteRealEstateVlogs]

How about a video on adding plumbing to a garage with slab. Looking to build my own accessory dwelling unit lol

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

That would be a fun one. I will add it to the list. We are starting up a new channel focused on Sheds and we will eventually be doing all sorts of conversions so I am sure plumbing will be involved sooner or later.

[@jasnapon]

Nice job😎

[@bobolson3180]

At 16:52 it's apparent that the power station connection to the shed's line in is from the rear of the EcoFlow. I'm building out the same for my shed, but with a Delta 3 Plus, however the rear panel connections appear to be 120v IN (extra battery port and AC charge), rather than 120v OUT, as the outlets are on the front panel. Can one of the rear ports work in this instance, and if so, does it matter which one?

[@JoeNathan42420]

First day on the job putting in outlets I was told to “go over there and grab an outlet put a piece of scrap wire in it terminal. An make it so tight you break it. Do it to all five and remember what it took to break. I want you to make everything that tight without breaking it. Tights tight too tights broke.” Or something along those lines lol

[@craigweinstein4272]

Great video as usual, can you share what cord you used to run from the power station to the outlet?

[@charblee]

Is there any reason you didn’t switch to 14/2 for the lights? I know 12/2 seems fine, but it’s also overkill and more costly of a material than 14/2. Thanks for the video man!

[@robv5343]

Hi there, quick question: in my garage I have a receptacle that has 2 green wires connected to it 1 has power and the other doesn’t. “Open ground” on plug tester… I see no other wires in the metal box, why is that? How can I fix that?

[@alexandermaciag377]

Everyone's different on where to place the electrical outlets, I prefer if clear from code in the national electrical code to place the outlet at the same level as a switch. Why? The benefit, of course, is not reaching down to plug anything in. If you have others that may use this now that may have disabilities or sell to those that do if you sell home in the future. Third, it is safe to keep away from young children at a higher height. The interior can be a combo of light switch and duplex outlet. Hopefully, it will be a useful way to do for others with that need.

[@jamesclark6142]

"Torpedo level..." I did not know they had a name... Thank you!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@SplashyCannonBall]

Off topic. Imagine those pants you have on, with a cut out for a slide in knee guard. Something thin but just strong enough to use over a days work. That’s a great electrical/ general maintenance pant.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I have really enjoyed these Truewerk pants and they have held up awesome. Looks like they are out of most sizes but they do make a type of pants with slide in knee pads truewerk.com/products/xp-werkpant

[@freedomfilledlife]

I have an outdoor GFCI plug. I built a shed and I am trying to run power into my shed and run it from this GFCI outlet that I already have. I would like my shed to be GFCI protected. Do you have a video on this. About the load side, versus line side and running power into the shed. Thank you very much for your videos.

[@js8039]

At intro, that is one tortured tree or a very large vine 😂

[@todd2456]

So you are going to do another video adding solar to the shed? That will be so cool.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yepper but that video will be over on another channel we have called Everyday Solar. Hopefully will get that out in the next 7 days.

[@1986jesb]

Instead of using the power station, could you use a generator on the outside using that same wiring setup?

[@DaHaiZhu]

15:05 - that time lapse went so fast I had to play it on 1/4 speed to understand how your were connecting everything. Very confusing. But I got it now

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@dannydewitt2574]

Was wondering if by chance you wanted to run an extension cord from your house to the gfci you installed would that now power the Ecoflow as well?

[@mardeowilliams8924]

Hey I saw your video on the motion sensor light you installed. You added a junction box I wanted to know why is a junction needed and how important is it?

[@V-Rod_Girl_Dad]

Do you have a link that you can share with me for the power cord that you used.

[@juliejones1526]

Might check in his store

[@hirambourne5215]

Just curious, did you keep track of how much wiring you used to run your wires in the shed? Was it in excess of 200ft of wiring?

[@GL69191]

Is there a video of your shed build? Interested to see how you did it

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yep, I will put one out for the foundation and one for the complete build. This specific shed is a Home Depot Kit. Both videos will be coming in the next 2 weeks.

[@jamesmacdonnell4085]

Hi Scott, love your videos. Can I ask a question about wago connectors? Some people suggest wrapping the wago connector with black electric tape. Will this create a fire hazard because the wires can’t breath? Is this a safe practice? Also, can I use wagos outside (exterior) in a gfci wet in use box? Thank you. Jim.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hey Jim, I don't use electrical tape to keep the levers down but if you do I don't think there is a fire hazard. WAGOs can be used in an exterior box as the box should be weather tight. Best of luck on your projects.

[@kommoncents0000]

Personally I would have used plastic lampholders instead of porcelain, granted both can crack anyhow. On the lampholders one would use the current style of led bulbs (where it has more base than light area) which I have all but eliminated around my house. I would have used probably 100W led flood lights on the ceiling. Also a 100W led bulb would seem half as bright in that shed considering there are no white walls or ceiling. Maybe a 3rd flood light above the work shelf to see better.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@SplashyCannonBall]

I have an old shed that has wires going into the gable, it has a 20amp breaker inside. If I replace the siding, will those wires outside shock me?

[@arthendrickson4860]

11:55 I trust you closed that lever on the line side of the switches.

[@13thLiberator]

Will I be able to run a 115v table saw with a 115v window a/c unit simultaneously off a 20 amp circuit?

[@jeromemaxwell143]

Very nice! Is there a video of building the storage shed? How much did the material cost not including the wiring?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Here is the video on the shed kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJjXmH-boryVl5Y. Best of luck on your build 👍

[@matthewrisley9070]

Do those lights need to be grounded?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nope, just the box (if you use metal) should be grounded.

[@user-uv9li9uc4p]

Nice video, was a bit confused as to why you powered a 20 amp service with a 15 amp GFCI . Seems to me that was an under powered supply point.

[@fizwin1]

No. Only the actual plug sockets are 15a only (Receptacles are 15amp due to NEMA specs 5-15r, as opposed to a 5-20r). A 15amp receptacle has and is rated for 20 pass-thru. In total you can still pull 20 amps (80%=16amps) through that "15A" gfci. The ONLY limitation is that you cannot plug a 20a device/appliance into that 15a receptacle. This is protected because of the non-fitting/different plug/T - Nema 5-20r.

[@carlos9099]

What ac cord do I need to do the same set up on my shed, the ac that goes to power station to the jumption box?

[@Sylvan_dB]

With the lighting fed from a GFCI, be careful about working in the shed with the door closed or at night. If the GFCI trips, it's going to get dark.

[@spicemasterii6775]

What if i need 220? I happen to have the shed outside next to AC unit that's connected to 220

[@edgardodelvalle2769]

Good job, but did you use the GFCI/WR outlet. I don't see the WR mark.

[@gc-yk9ev]

Can you please list the motion sensor light model name and where you got it? Thx.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

It was just this cheap one from Home Depot homedepot.sjv.io/KjLK1A

[@gc-yk9ev]

Thank you.

[@TheGuitarGod90]

My advice as an electrical contractor: -don’t run pvc conduit underground. It will crack eventually, especially in colder climates and depending on the cable/conductors used inside, result in damage. Use Teck cable or if you must use conduit, use a continuous ridged tubing (the orange or black stuff). Teck is also way easier and quicker to install. - leave slack outside your box. If you’re closing those walls in and you damage the conductors either initially or over the years, you will want more to pull through -staple every 3’ is fine. It’s usually a sign of an inexperienced electrician to see a million staples -use morrettes and absolutely never use those push connectors. The point of contact is a knife blade and they burn out all the time. The say they are rated for 10A but I would only use them in a 9W pot light. (0.075A)

[@KevinCoop1]

Why didn’t you install an exterior rated pancake box? That one is rated for interior use only.

[@davidjames4915]

Running 12ga wire to lights in an off-grid shed (which these days would tend to be low-wattage LED) does seem a tad overkillish. Heck, I'd be looking to make them DC anyway to avoid the double-conversion penalty.

[@treyparks5352]

Can I hire an electrician to do this with the solar panels? Sorry if this is a dumb question lol

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You could definitely hire an electrician for the Romex wiring portion and some electricians offer solar services as well but most don't get involved in the smaller DIY systems like this.

[@natevoid9955]

I heard you’re not supposed to wire your shed to your homes power my shed is about 10ft from my house circuit breaker is it ok to connect it by installing another breaker

[@samuelburns]

How else would you get power to it?

[@nrobinson]

One of you Wago levers was open as you stuffed the box... look at about 11:45

[@B.Ritchie1974]

My wire has 4 wires. What do I do with the 4th? It has red, black, white and copper

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

That is just 12-3 or 14-3 Romex. Ground, Neutral, and 2 Hot conductors.

[@B.Ritchie1974]

@EverydayHomeRepairs so what do I do with that 4th one? Do a nut on it in case I want it later? I'm only doing 15 Amp outlets

[@seanj-ski1352]

Is it okay to use that NM wire in those open uncovered stud bays?

[@nyetloki]

The studs protect the NM from damage, if centered. But the surface mounted wire running across the studs to that outlet box? Would not be allowed, unless you protect it with conduit or even just a 2x4 blocking. He should have ran it up and over and back down.

[@neilfloyd4812]

Best video yet, still don't understand shiiiiit....😆

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

😂

[@donl1410]

15:18 You passed 2- unsheathed wires from the 4-s box to the weatherproof box. You know better than that. Should have been two 12-2 NM cables. You didn't address this structure and a grounding electrode for the electrical system. 6:21 9:18 You stapled the NM cable appropriately near the other boxes in this project, why not within 12" of the 4-0 light outlet boxes?

[@mfryd]

You really should ground your outlets. Yes, there is a ground wire, but you forgot to actually connect it to the ground. Your battery/inverter system probably has a ground connection on it. You should wire that to an actual ground (perhaps two copper rods driven into the earth, 6 feet apart).

[@scallywag1716]

Why would you include the lights on the same GFCI circuit? It trips and you got no lights…

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

It was a trade off I was willing to take to provide GFCI protection to the entire shed and also a "disconnect" for the shed.

[@michaelkulman7095]

GFCIs aren't supposed to be used as switches or disconnects...

[@AJFoX05]

⚡️!!! You didn’t tighten one of those lever nuts on the hot wire. On light switches box.( 11:16 ) !!! ⚡️

[@fizwin1]

internally it was closed/tight. Those levers have give as the lever itself does not have anything holding them down.

[@thomasgriffin4714]

The $1000 power station (plus solar) seems way overkill. That only works if you are a KZbinr and got it for free. Also, a motion sensative exterior light would be more useful.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, the complete package with panels is $1,000 but we will provide a few different options in the future as well. That experior light does have motion sensor so it turns on when I am walking out to the shed.

[@Eddie-r8h]

I realized this was out of my price range when he said Klein and Knipex, lmao

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Klein Tools are pretty reasonable but Knipex are a bit pricey 🙂

[@leeeagle5994]

going to be fed by a "100.20" ? volt, single 20 amp circuit

[@noelrodriguez9956]

You have to use electrical tape around switches to prevent short circuit in the metal box

[@demolesher9889]

Wrong.... this isn't the 70's anymore

[@seenstee]

Lol he didnt secure the hot side of the wago, thankfully the switch side so not a big deal

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

It is secured, once the wire is installed the lever has some play. This is the reason some guys will tape the levers to avoid hooking a wire and then opening completely up where you could run into issues.

[@stans5270]

11:50 - This is why I have reservations about Wago levernuts. The third lever of the black wires was never tightened.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

It actually does still have a secure hold. Once the wire is inserted then the lever does have some play where it can be pulled out like that but still have a good connection. The biggest issue this can cause is snag other wires inside the box.

[@phakeAccount]

I'll just run an extension cord out to my shed.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

That is the quick way 👍

[@ronb6182]

Yes especially if you are using a power station for power. 73

[@brentedwards1018]

Be careful. Because that is how my offset garage caught on fire. The electrical surge caused the lights to overheat.

[@prodigalflower1178]

Me too 😂

[@RyanDavis-mb9hk]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jz1317]

A pancake box has 6 cu in capacity. 12-2 wire requires 6.75 cu" capacity, so technically you can not have 12-2 in a pancake box.

[@johnvillalovos]

Technically the shed probably doesn't need to meet NEC code as it isn't connected to any permanent power.

[@jz1317]

This shed setup is interesting since its power does not come from the grid. I know NEC code does have bonding/ grounding requirements for “separately derived systems” in Article 250.

[@samanthahaley6093]

Promo*SM

[@HOLCS2021]

For all of us yellow bus viewers....it's a bit difficult to follow you when the video is moving 100mph, lol. Just my opinion and my opinion only! Awesome video otherwise!

[@rexgoodheart3471]

Sorry, but this video fell short. I don't see where you explained how to wire power from the house's circuit box.

[@jafarhammid1501]

It’s better metal box with MC wire instead of NM Cable

[@brandonbippus37]

Can’t stand time lapse videos.