[RegeSullivan]

I have read as man posts as I could related to this subject and I am a bit confused so I will tell you what I want to do and ask a few questions.

I would like to run power to a shed about 140 feet from the panel using 12-2 UF for about 400 watts of lights and two or three outlets from a 20 amp breaker.

Do I need a disconnect at the shed?
Should I be concerned about the 8% voltage drop?
Do I need GFCI in the shed?

Rege

 

[Paelectrican]

Voltage drop should not exceed 3% of the rated voltage. 120volts should not have a bigger voltage drop than 3.6 volts.

 

[Yoyizit]

to a shed about 140 feet from the panel using 12-2 UF for about 400 watts of lights and two or three outlets from a 20 amp breaker.

Motors may not like this much upstream resistance (½ Ω) but incand. lighting will last 3x longer. At 20A you'll lose 200w in the wire.
Yes, put in a GFCI.

 

[Gigs]

If it's GFCI protected on the house side, you might be able to use the 12 inch shallow bury depth exception for a single buried branch circuit.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

If you just want lights no concern
If you are going to run any motors I'd be concerned about the drop
You would have to go to #8 to get the voltage drop down
At that point I'd buy a spool of #6 & run a small sub

GFCI before the wire & 12" depth OK
Shed should be GFCI protected
All my outlets & lights in my shed are GFCI
--it also borders a pool in my case

If you install a sub install a main breaker panel as a disconnect for sub

 

[RegeSullivan]

Thanks to everyone that replied.

Light will be the only thing on this circuit. The shed is too small to use as a shop and I can not imagine any situation where I would need power in the shed that would justify the cost of running #6 and putting in a sub panel.

I am wondering if I could run 10-2 into the shed and change to 12-2 to make wiring receptacles a little easier? The cost difference is not that great.

Rege

 

[jbfan]

I am wondering if I could run 10-2 into the shed and change to 12-2 to make wiring receptacles a little easier? The cost difference is not that great.

Rege

You can do this.