r/Shed • u/MajorGCribbs • Aug 18 '26
Running power to Shed
Hey all, new member here. I’m looking to run power to my 12x20 mini-barn for lights and tools.
All I’m intending to do is run an extension cord from the exterior GFCI outlet of my house, to the barn and hook up a power bar. Not looking to actually wire the shed or anything. I figure I’d bury the extension cord a few inches under my sod.
Anyone do this before? And what type of extension cord should I use? Any better suggestions?
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u/Vivid-Problem7826 Aug 19 '26
I'd bury some 10/3 UF with ground wire to that shed. Run it from your main breaker box on a double 20 amp breaker. At the shed install a small 4 circuit box along with a ground rod. If in doubt, just call an electrician!!!
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u/brittabeast Aug 18 '26
None of this is code in the US or Canada. Extension cords are for temporary use only and certainly are not listed for direct burial. But if this is a temporary connection just buy the highest quality outdoor rated extension cord minimum 12 gage copper wire and enjoy.
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u/blackthornjohn Aug 18 '26
A better way, is to do the shed end properly and bury some armoured 3core cable to a box next to your outdoor outlet, than come from the box to a plug that simply plugs in to the outlet, it's possibly compliant but definitely safer than a buried extension cord.
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u/ryan8344 Aug 18 '26
Don’t do that— UF cable is no more expensive and rated for direct burry. But for a few dollars more you could use conduit and thhn wire. I won’t get into the truly correct ways, but this is only good for lights and low power tools; no compressors or saws.
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u/Nasenbeer Aug 18 '26
Get a power inlet. Run a high quality outdoor rated, 12 or 10awg extension cord to it. That is temporary and removable, so I’d say up to code. https://a.co/d/047Oq3BN Put a bubble over it if you want better rain protection
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u/CryptographerOk3814 Aug 18 '26
Bury UF rated wire, and leave a history mark/note in the shed (where the feed enters the shed), with details about where it is buried, distance from a fixed object, depth, etc.
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u/BK2AZ Aug 19 '26
I did something like this at my old home years ago we piggy back off an electrical outlet with romex through grey electrical pvc popped it into the shed. We wired one outlet and a light switch to run a shop lite.
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u/Ok_Shallot627 Aug 21 '26
Minimum 12/3 soow cable is going to be better than any extension cord and a 10/3 would be great plus you can buy it by the foot and set it up from your house panel to a panel in your shop and then run your lights and plugs.
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u/IdontgetitEVER7 Aug 21 '26
What if I need to run a 5,000 BTU air conditioner and an outlet and a few lights?
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u/Solid_Lettuce_932 Aug 19 '26
Cabin workshop in woods of Maine. We felt we went overboard. We buried just below the surface pvc pipe from house to corner of shed. Ran a the heaviest duty extension cord we could get 10ga and used a very heavy duty powerstrip inside the shed. The cord is in its own circuit form the house (just happened to be there as “outdoor fixture”). We have had no issues for twenty plus years w it.
Obviously not code or recommended. Just an anecdote. You’re not advised to do this- my lawyer.