Thread: Power in the Shed

I think both your questions can be answered with "depends on how big of a cable you run"

you also need to consider how many amps your main incomer can supply.

Not right or legal! Have run a shed off a single extension lead (10A socket) with about 12 outlets. Avoided using 2 heavy things at once - didn't catch fire but the 15A bandsaw made the flouros dim during start up! Nah do it right (mine was on rentals - and have done worse in the past) Don't dodgy it!!!!!

Get an electrician to work it out for you, its your shed/house/life and insurance policy

Originally Posted by Brett57

Can i have some advice please from those with a greater understanding than I.
i want some 15 amp outlets in the shed and a few more 415, 3 phase outlets.
my max. run from the board is 15mtrs.
15amp 240V:
If I run a dedicated circuit for the 15 amp outlets how many 15amp GPOs can I have one the one dedicated circuit?
415 3 phase:
I have one 15amp 3 phase outlet and want 3 more.
Does each 3 phase outlet need a separate circuit or can I daisy chain off the existing 3 phase outlet.
I am not planning on doing this work but need the knowledge and understanding to plan out what can and cannoit be done.
Cheers

Each 3Phase outlet (no matter what the current) will required its own line and breaker
Normally each individual 1Phase 15A outlet will requires its own line and breaker - but a sparky can decided if two or more can be fitted to the one breaker (provided a suitable size cable is run).
The ultimate decision lays with the sparky as it's his insurance that will pay for it if it goes pear shaped.

A 15m run may warrant a sub-board near the location.

Would second speaking to a sparky (or two or three) and outline what you are planning on running. As they will then spec your system according to the appropriate standards.

From what you outline they'll prob recommend getting a sub-board installed.

When i got my 15 amp it was, one cable one circuit breaker for each point, i opted out for the sub-board as i didn't need it at the time. Kind of regret it now as i want to add more sockets and redo the lighting.

A lot depends on the lecko.

What is in the standards is not necessarily what they will want to do. Some are quite familiar with what is actually permitted in the standards, others are not the brightest sparks and are just familiar with basic installs and have not dealt with decent sheds etc.

The first priority of the lecko is a safe install.
The second priority is only hearing from you again if you have more paying work for them.

I needed to upgrade the supply to my shed to allow some bigger points (32amp.and 15amp).
Had an existing 6mm2 feed to shed. Also had a spare 6mm2 feed to shed, not connected at either end.

One lecko would not use the existing cables and wanted to run new larger cable, requiring unknown amount of digging to expose conduit and pull new cable and lots of $$$ potentially. He also told me 15amp (then later 20amp) was the largest single phase GPO available. 32amp is readily available.

Second was happy to pair / parallel the two feeds (I checked and this is allowed in the standards - first lecko said it was not allowed unless massive industrial cables which is incorrect)

Third lecko was probably the smartest.and got the job. Just hooked up the spare cable as a second seperate feed to the subpanel. So I have two separate feeds into shed subpanel, essentially two separate sub-panels. Feed one is unchanged and covers the usual 10amp GPOs and lighting. Feed two has the new 32amp and 15amp points on it.

Part of the process is convincing them you won't be calling them back about stupid crap.
E.g. making clear that you won't be calling them about circuit breaker trips.
My 32amp and 15amp circuits are supplied by a feed cable that is not rated for 47amps. The cable is protected by a 32amp breaker. It's my problem if I try to draw full current through both 32amp and 15amp and trip the breaker.

I also made clear I wanted assessment of Maximum Demand by limitation. I've got a 63amp breaker on the house main panel. It's my problem if I exceed the 63amp total.
Otherwise, if you have a main switch (not a breaker) and they assess by typical / calculated demand, they may not be willing to put on more circuits. I've got all my house circuits, plus two 32amp shed supplies running off that 63amp. If you calculated "typical" demand for all these circuits it would exceed 63amp. Reality is I don't ever come close to 63amp total, but if you don't have a protection device (breaker) they have to assume you will.