running electric to shed across yard

denemante · 09-07-2011, 02:30 PM

Hey all,

I plan to put a shed out back. There is about 75 feet of grass between the house and where the shed will be. The proposed run will be over septic fields.

In a straight-line to the house, there is a 15 foot wide cement patio, and I don't think I'd go under that. However, there is a deck above it, with a receptical nearby. I don't know about electrical, but it would seem that would be the place to tap in - then cut a hole through the deck, run the line under it (tacked up), then down a post leg to the grass - then I'd dig my trench.

However, I have no idea whether you can "tap in" to power like that. Also, I don't know if the distance makes a difference, or if I need to burry the line inside watertight conduit.

At the shed, I'd plan to charge up kid's power toys, cordless drills, have a light, and maybe run a radio. I'd probably also use that power for yard blowers and table saws/vaccums on occasion.

Any tips?

jbfan · 09-07-2011, 02:46 PM

Determine if anything else is on that receptacle.

If it is a dedicated circuit, the extend it to the shed.
If it is shared, then I would run a dedicated circuit for the shed.
Where the line comes down the post, I would install a piece of pvc for protection.
You can bury the UF cable, or run conduit.