Outdoor sheds and storage buildings are common in the Colorado area. Adding electricity transforms a shed into much more than a storage space. Suddenly, your simple shed can become a home office, a workshop, or a versatile, well-lit space for a wide variety of uses. Electricity makes it easier to use tools, plug in appliances, or light up your yard during the dark Colorado winters.
If you’re looking into how to get electricity to a shed, the first step is to consult a local electrician who understands your needs. At High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electric, our team is experienced in both indoor and outdoor electrical work.
Assessing Electrical Needs
“Can you run electricity to my shed?” The answer is likely yes, but first, you’ll need to consider electrical upgrades, power source installations, and more.
Questions your electrician may consider include:
- What do you plan on doing in the shed?
- What equipment and tools will you be using?
- Will you be installing appliances?
- What are your current electrical system limitations?
- Do you need a permit?
- What are the local regulations and electrical codes?
An electrician will come to your house to give the space a full assessment, which includes looking at your electrical panel, your home’s wiring setup, the shed, and the outdoor property.
High 5 electricians understand how to get safe, consistent power to your outbuildings. Contact our team to schedule your consultation appointment, and we’ll set up a time to look at your current system and create a workable plan. We serve the Denver area, including surrounding communities like Boulder, Castle Rock, Lafayette, and Westminster, providing expert electrical services to our community every day.
Planning and Preparation
The planning phase is important because your electrician needs to determine whether your current electrical system can accommodate the new electrical circuit required for the shed’s power, or if a subpanel is necessary. They also have to plan the following:
- The physical setup: The layout needs to work for your intended use, including lighting, outlet placement, and specific power needs for tools, fixtures, and/or appliances such as ductless mini splits.
- Running the wiring: In many cases, digging a trench for underground wiring is necessary for safety and longevity.
- Permit acquisition: In Colorado, electrical permits from the Colorado State Electrical Board are required before any electrical wiring is installed in or around your home.
High 5 electricians are experienced in a wide variety of electrical jobs. We excel at problem-solving and thinking outside the box while still meeting strict electrical codes for safety. Our team will work with you to bring your shed plans to life.
Selecting the Power Source
Determining how to power the shed involves selecting an appropriate power source that provides adequate wattage for the appliances, lights, and tools you’ll be using, while also considering whether multiple devices will be running at once. You don’t want to blow a fuse every time you use two outlets at once. That’s why choosing the right power setup is critical.
Power can be run:
- Directly from your home’s main electrical panel
- Through a dedicated sub-panel in the shed
- Or via a portable generator for temporary power
Our team will help you weigh these options and plan for future upgrades, ensuring your electrical setup is safe, scalable, and efficient.
Installing Wiring and Components
In Colorado, outdoor electrical setups have specific requirements, including:
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection
- Weather-resistant receptacles
- Weather-proof covers on outside outlets
- At least one outdoor receptacle at the front and back of any place where a person lives (including guest houses)
- Energy-efficient, weather-proof lights for outdoor lighting
When you choose High 5 for electrical installation in Denver, you’ll receive electricians who are well-versed in these regulations and will make sure the work is done safely and properly.
Safety Precautions and Compliance
Whenever electricity is involved, safety is a top priority. Our safety precautions include:
- Using outdoor-rated materials and wiring
- Incorporating proper grounding
- Avoiding overloading circuits
- Labeling breakers and organizing cables
- Following all safety regulations and laws
Testing and Troubleshooting
The final step in your electrical installation is to test the system and ensure everything works correctly. This includes using a voltage tester to verify correct connections and completing a final inspection to ensure all work meets local electrical codes and standards. Once that’s done, we’ll turn on the power and take a final look before leaving.
We’re also available for electrical troubleshooting, so if any issues come up weeks or months after installation, we’ll quickly identify and resolve the root cause.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Expert electrical installation and upkeep enhance the functionality of your shed, transforming it into a safe workspace with lighting, heating, and any additional features you want.
The High 5 team is available for long-term electrical system maintenance and future upgrades whenever you need us. This includes:
- Efficiency optimization
- Smart home system additions and integration
- Extending the system lifespan
- Doing small repairs to prevent big future problems
- Updating your system to meet new electrical codes
Looking To Run Power to Your Outdoor Shed? Call The Professionals High 5 for All Your Electrical Needs
Looking to power your shed, workshop, or backyard office? Contact High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric for expert outdoor electrical services across the Denver metro area. We’ll help you get it done safely, legally, and efficiently — so you can enjoy your space with total peace of mind.
