Exterior Building Circuits

Safe Electricity Solutions for Exterior Buildings

Extend Reliable Power Beyond Your Home

Powering up your shed, garage, or barn? Do it right from the start. Whether you’re installing lights in a shed, running power to a detached garage, or converting a backyard structure into a home office, your exterior building needs its own dedicated electrical circuit, often its own sub panel too.

At BTE Electric, we install safe, code-compliant circuits for all types of exterior buildings. We help you avoid overloads, voltage drops, and code violations so you can use your outbuilding the way you planned, without surprises.

What Counts as an “Exterior Building”?

Any structure on your property that’s physically separated from your home is considered an outbuilding or “separate structure” by the electrical code.

This includes:

Detached garages or carports
Sheds and workshops
Pole barns or livestock shelters
Pool houses
Tiny homes or ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Detached offices or studios

Once a structure is detached, it requires its own branch circuit from your main panel, along with specific grounding and safety protections.

Common Questions About Exterior Building Circuits

Q. What Does the National Electrical Code (NEC) Require?

ANSWER: The NEC has clear rules about supplying power to exterior buildings. Here’s what’s typically required:

Dedicated circuit or feeder line from your main panel
Buried outdoor-rated conduit and wire
Grounding at the outbuilding (ground rods or UFER ground, depending on soil conditions)
GFCI protection for receptacles
A means of disconnect (either a disconnect switch or sub panel)
Lighting and outlet spacing that meets general electrical code
AFCI protection in some cases, depending on use

We’ll walk you through what’s needed based on how you’re using the building, whether it’s just for lights or a full-on workshop with power tools.

Q. What Are Common Circuit Setups for Outbuildings?

ANSWER: Every setup is a little different, but here are some of the most common we install:

1. Single-Circuit Feed
Great for sheds or smaller buildings with minimal power needs. Includes:

15- or 20-amp circuit
One or two lights and a couple of outlets
GFCI protection
Disconnect switch at the structure

2. Multi-Circuit Sub Panel
Best for detached garages, workshops, or pool houses. Includes:

Feeder cable from main panel (30–60 amps typically)
Dedicated sub panel at the structure
Multiple circuits for lighting, outlets, tools, HVAC, etc.
Grounding electrodes at the building
Required outdoor-rated wiring and conduit

3. Large Building or ADU Feed
For backyard offices, guest suites, or tiny homes:

100-amp or larger service
Full sub panel with room for future expansion
Power for heating, cooling, appliances, internet, and more
Full grounding system and disconnect

We design your system to match your building’s current use and allow for upgrades in the future.

Q. Does BTE Do Trenching and Wiring to the Outbuildings?

ANSWER: Running wire to an exterior building usually involves trenching. We handle:

Depth and conduit requirements based on code (typically 18” deep for PVC conduit)
Outdoor-rated wire types like THWN in conduit (we don’t like to use UF cable, but it is code compliant)
Protection from moisture and rodents
Safe entry and termination inside the building

We also coordinate with utility locators (and have our own utility marking tool) and work to minimize impact on your landscaping.

Q. How Much Does It Cost?

ANSWER: Costs vary based on distance, panel size, trenching requirements, and number of circuits. General ranges:

Basic 15–20 amp shed circuit: $800–$1,500
Garage/workshop sub panel (30–60 amps): $2,000–$3,500
Full ADU/tiny home feed (100 amps): $3,500–$6,500+
Panel upgrade (if needed at main house): Starting around $2,500

We’ll always provide a clear, written estimate that explains exactly what’s included.

Q. Why Is It Worth Doing It Right?

ANSWER: Improperly installed circuits to sheds, barns, or garages are one of the most common code violations we see. It’s also where we see:

No grounding
Undersized wire for the distance
Exposed, damaged cable
No disconnect switch
Shared neutrals between buildings (a big no-no!)
Overloaded main panels back at the house

We fix these issues all the time. Doing it right from the start protects your property, avoids safety issues, and ensures your investment pays off.

Power Up Your Outbuilding Safely

Whether you’re just running lights to a new shed or powering an entire detached workshop, we can help. Contact BTE Electric today to schedule a consultation and get a quote on exterior building circuits. Let’s get power where you need it, done right the first time.

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