Planning Workshop Power With Your Sparky: What to Have Ready

Any wiring in a shed or workshop at 240V AC must be done by a licensed electrician. You can make the job quicker and cheaper by having your plan ready.

1. List your tools and loads

Write down every tool and appliance with its watts or amps from the label. Note which ones run together.

2. Mark the big ones

• Welders, compressors, saws and heaters have big start-up or running currents.
• Note any 15A plugs. Some tools need a 15A outlet and circuit.

3. Where you want power

Sketch the shed with benches, outlets, lights and where the big tools go.

4. Solar and battery plans

Tell the sparky if you plan to add solar, a battery or a generator inlet later, so the switchboard and cable can allow for it.

5. Questions to ask

• How many circuits, and what's on each?
• Does the supply cable to the shed suit the load and length?
• Where do the RCDs go?
• Is there room in the board for later?

6. Quick summary

• List tools, watts and which run together.
• Sketch where you need outlets.
• Mention future solar, batteries or a generator.
• Use the Daily Power Needs Calculator to add it up.

In Australia, any work on 240V AC wiring, including connecting an inverter, battery or solar system to a switchboard or fixed wiring, must be done by a licensed electrician.

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