Need a crash course in electricity.

[hamsterjill]

I’m not doing any work myself as I am definitely not qualified. But I need a quick education to understand bids that I’ll be getting on a project.

We are buying a piece of property in a rural area to move to and to build a sanctuary of sorts for the cat rescue that I’ve had for years. Part of this “dream” of mine will require electricity be extended to a “tack shed” which will be converted to a building that will be climate controlled for the cats to have shelter. That will open up into a secure, enclosed predator proof area where they will have free roam. That, in turn will open up into a less secure but still confined area where they will be allowed during daylight hours. The plan is to herd them (yes, I know, but I already have that part down and do it every night at the current location) back into the secure area and building before dark each night.

Now..the electricity issue. There’s a pole about 200 feet from the building and I guess we have to run conduit underground (in pvc pipe) to get the power to the building. But beyond that, what all do I need to think about? I want to make sure that I have enough power and/or enough circuits so that I don’t trip anything and I definitely want to make sure that the power to the shed doesn’t impact the power to the human house in any way.

The shed is currently wired and insulated but isn’t hot. Once power is established, it will be finished out and made where they have places to climb, etc. I’m thinking of having it cooled and heated by a mini split. Electrician has been retained but hasn’t been to the property yet. What all do I need to know before I start dealing with him?

I want enough power out there to be able to plug in some large fans in the outside area, have some exterior lighting for safety, be able to plug in some electric blankets on the inside for severely cold nights and be able to string patio lights all the way out to the area that will be less secure.

Thoughts? Ideas? Information? Do’s and Don’ts? Help me get this right. And please talk to me like I’m a kindergartener because where this subject is concerned, I most definitely am.

Thank you as always for DU help.

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Lot Of Variables

That's why you'll need an electrician.
What voltage are you running through the conduit?
What's the probable peak current demand (load)?
The exact distance plus load determine line gage, and the voltage you are transmitting choose the bundle size. (Typically 3, 4, or some multiple of those depending on whether you want parallel primaries.)
A qualified electrician is going to know all this & will ask the right questions where there are options.

[hamsterjill]

8. Yes, you're right.

I’ve just been burned a lot by contractors and I find the more I know about anything they do, the better I’m able to spot where I’m absolutely just being ripped off. I have trust issues!!! LOL

Thank you for your info.

[ret5hd]

2. Maybe (just throwing it out there...but maybe) think completely different:

1) Maybe 3 or 4 panels of solar, plus batteries

2) A decent inverter to convert DC to 120 volt

3) one (maybe 2?) of these for heat (they run off 12 volt and diesel):
https://www.amazon.com/maXpeedingrods-Diesel-Thermostat-Control-Trailer/dp/B08RD4Y378/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2DJ3LDF9ZWZ5L&keywords=diesel+cab+heater+12+volt&qid=1682203832&sprefix=diesel+cab+heater%2Caps%2C316&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTzhWRERWOUFMOURaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTU3MzEzMlBaQVhKWllYVUtYUiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjI4OTQxVEpHUUhCQTc0NVczJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

4) mini-split for AC

5) LED for lights

From your limited description of the situation, I think that's the way I would go...just throwing it out there.

[hamsterjill]

5. Kindergardener here...

If I go solar, then I don’t have to connect to the utility pole at all???

What happens if there isn’t enough solar power then?

[ret5hd]

7. You will still need an electrician, so...

he/she would be able to answer tour questions…BUT properly done, no you would not need to connect to the utility pole.

[hamsterjill]

9. Okay thanks.

So all electricians nowadays pretty well understand solar? Or do I need one that specializes in solar?

[ret5hd]

10. I just really don't know...

If it was me, I would ask around for someone that specializes in RV/camper type solar installations. When you think about it, your situation is really just that.

[hamsterjill]

11. Appreciate your input!

Sincerely - thank you for the information and ideas. Something to look in to.

[Shermann]

12. Generally on hot days there is a lot of solar energy

The worst case scenario is high temps and high humidity with cloudy weather and poor solar energy production.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. Assuming all you need is 110V for lights and local power....

The wires coming in from the pole will need to be metered, so the utility can track your energy usage. If you need heat, hot water, probably 220V. After the meter, you need an entrance....probably a 60 Amp panel will handle your load. A few circuits from the entrance to the lights, recepticles, etc and you are good to go.


On edit....what ret5hd said....but I'd add a battery back-up to store the energy. Would be worth your time to figure how many daily watts needed (an LED light consumes maybe 12 watts/hr). If you only need a few lights and some 110V power, this might be a cheaper. long term option.

[Warpy]

13. Any facility for animals is going to need ventilation

and depending on the climate, heat and/or cooling.

I agree that the power will have to be metered, even if supplemented with solar and battery power at some point.

That means getting some bids on the hookup, the electric company needs to do the actual power connection.

[Kali]

4. is this coming off the house panel?

or will it be on a separate meter? your electric utility might be able to give some "unofficial" advice if you can find the right person to talk to.

just lighting and a few normal fans won't need to much but AC or real heating is more serious. wire is freaking expensive - install with the idea you may want to do more later. the wiring, especially buried should be able to handle more than you are planning, you can add breakers and outlets/other connections later.

[hamsterjill]

6. If I'm understanding this correctly...

Which as I said in my post, the possibility that I don’t understand is great….

There is a utility pole to the house. There is a second utility pole to another shed that is close to the house. The tack shed (where the cats will be) is about 200 feet from this second pole and has no power at all at this time.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

14. hamsterjill, I'll be glad to help with that.

I'm a retired electrical engineer and take joy in helping folks with electrical issues as I'm able.

This will need a little careful analysis to insure everything meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code along with any additional local codes. Otherwise, if the work is done improperly, you could have a fire and serious issues with your property insurance company could follow.

I'll PM you later today with some info.

KY

[hamsterjill]

15. Awesome! Thanks!

n/t