The moment you decide to turn a shed into a workshop, you need to think about electricity. Power tools require substantial current, lighting makes the space usable after dark, and you might want charging points for cordless tools and other equipment.

The fundamental question is whether to run power from your house or install a separate meter. For most suburban workshop sheds within 30-40 meters of the house switchboard, running a cable from the house is simpler and cheaper than arranging a separate meter and service.

Running power to a shed requires a licensed electrician. This isn’t a DIY job unless you hold electrical qualifications. The regulations exist because incorrect electrical work creates fire and electrocution risks. The cost of professional installation is worth the safety and compliance.

The size of the cable depends on distance and load. Longer distances require thicker cable to prevent voltage drop. Higher loads require thicker cable to handle the current. An electrician calculates this based on your specific layout and requirements.

For a typical residential workshop within 20 meters of the house, a 6mm² cable can handle most workshop loads. Beyond 30 meters, you might need 10mm² or thicker. Underground cable is more expensive than overhead but looks neater and is protected from physical damage.

Overhead runs must maintain clearance heights above ground—typically 5.5 meters over driveways where vehicles pass, lower over walkways. These heights often require tall poles or running cable through trees, which can be impractical. Underground avoids these issues.

Underground cable needs conduit in some situations—under driveways where heavy vehicles pass, or where there’s risk of physical damage from digging. Direct burial cable exists for less demanding paths, but protecting it with conduit adds minimal cost and prevents future problems if you need to dig.

The shed switchboard should have its own circuit breaker at the house switchboard. This isolates the shed circuit so problems in the shed don’t affect the house. The shed itself needs a distribution board with circuit breakers for different circuits within the shed.

How many circuits you need depends on workshop size and use. A small shed might have one circuit for power points and one for lighting. A larger workshop benefits from multiple power circuits so running several tools simultaneously doesn’t overload a single circuit.

General power outlets in Australia provide 10 amps per circuit, which is 2400 watts at 240 volts. A circular saw might draw 1800 watts, a dust extractor 1200 watts, and a work light 100 watts. Running saw and dust extractor together on one circuit is tight—separate circuits for different areas provides headroom.

Dedicated 15-amp or 20-amp circuits for large machinery like table saws or dust extraction systems prevent nuisance tripping. These require different outlet types that prevent accidentally plugging 10-amp equipment into higher-amp circuits.

Three-phase power is overkill for most home workshops. Industrial machinery often uses three-phase, but hobby-level workshops run fine on single-phase. The cost of bringing three-phase to a residential property is substantial and rarely justified unless you’re running professional-level equipment.

Lighting requirements depend on workshop activities. General lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting illuminates specific work areas. A combination of ceiling-mounted LED panels for general light and adjustable task lights near workbenches covers most needs.

LED lighting has made workshop lighting cheaper and more effective. A 4-foot LED panel providing 4000 lumens uses about 36 watts. Four of these panels can thoroughly illuminate a standard double garage-sized workshop for under 150 watts total power consumption.

Natural lighting through windows or skylights reduces daytime electricity use and makes the space more pleasant to work in. If you’re designing a shed rather than retrofitting, considering window placement and size improves the workspace significantly.

Power point placement matters for workflow. Having outlets where you actually use tools prevents extension cord tangles. Workbench areas need multiple outlets for tools, charging, and task lighting. Central ceiling outlets or drop-down reels provide power anywhere in the shed without cords across the floor.

Safety switches (RCDs - residual current devices) are mandatory for shed installations. They detect current leakage and shut off power in milliseconds, preventing electrocution from faulty tools or accidental contact with live conductors. This is non-negotiable safety equipment.

Surge protection guards against voltage spikes from lightning or grid fluctuations. Sensitive equipment like computers or electronics benefit from surge protection. Basic power tools are more robust and don’t necessarily need it, but adding surge protection to the shed distribution board protects everything.

Outdoor-rated outlets for exterior shed walls enable using tools outside without running extension cords from inside. These outlets need weatherproof covers and appropriate IP ratings to resist moisture and dust.

Cable management inside the shed keeps things tidy and prevents tripping hazards. Surface-mounted conduit or cable trays route cables neatly along walls or ceilings. This is partly aesthetic but also practical for modifications—adding circuits later is easier if existing cables are organized.

Emergency lighting isn’t usually required for sheds, but battery-backed LED emergency lights provide safety if power fails while you’re working with dangerous equipment. Relatively cheap insurance against being plunged into darkness while operating a table saw.

Inspection and testing by the electrician after installation verifies everything works safely and complies with regulations. You’ll receive compliance certificates that document the work. Keep these—they’re required for insurance and property sales.

The cost varies with site-specific factors. Simple installations within 15 meters might cost $1500-$2500. Complex installations over 40 meters with multiple circuits and heavy machinery circuits might cost $5000+. Get quotes from multiple licensed electricians.

Permits and council approval depend on your location and installation details. The electrician typically handles electrical permits. If the electrical work requires trenching or significant exterior work, separate council approval might be needed.

Temporary power during shed construction comes from extension cords or temporary builders’ power. Plan for permanent power early so you can use the shed properly rather than relying on dodgy extension cord arrangements.

Future capacity planning prevents running out of power as workshop needs evolve. Installing slightly larger cable and distribution board capacity than immediately necessary costs little more now but avoids expensive upgrades later when you add more equipment.

Some workshop tools need special consideration. Welders draw high current and might need dedicated circuits. Dust extraction systems that run continuously benefit from their own circuit. Compressors have high startup current that might trip breakers if shared with other equipment.

Earthing and bonding metal structures prevents the shed itself becoming live if electrical faults occur. The electrician connects shed framing to earth. Metal workbenches and large metal equipment should also be bonded to earth.

Running data cables at the same time as power makes sense if you want internet or network connectivity in the shed. Separating data and power cables prevents electrical interference. Conduit makes future cable additions easier.

Solar power for sheds is possible but rarely cost-effective for workshops. Power tool loads are intermittent and high, poorly suited to typical solar systems. If you’re off-grid, solar plus battery storage can work but requires significant investment and careful design.

The reality is that most workshop sheds need straightforward electrical installations—power from the house, adequate circuit capacity for tools, good lighting, and proper safety equipment. Complexity is necessary only for unusual requirements or difficult site conditions.

An AI consultancy might implement sophisticated automation and monitoring in commercial facilities, but home workshops prioritize practical power delivery and safety over advanced features. Keep it simple, keep it safe, and ensure adequate capacity for your actual tool requirements.