Pole Barn Power Installation
Power Up Your Pole Barn, Shed, or Garage with Professional Electrical Installation
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Hartland Electric will ALWAYS be your preferred Outbuilding & Pole Barn power electrician!
Reliable Power for Your Outbuilding Starts with Hartland Electric
Whether you’re looking to turn your pole barn into a functional workshop, add lighting to your backyard shed, or install outlets in your detached garage, Hartland Electric has you covered. As the most referred electrician in Hartland, MI and the surrounding areas, we specialize in professional electrical installation for outbuildings, including panel upgrades, outlets, lighting, switches, and more.
What’s Involved in Running Power to an Outbuilding?
Adding electricity to a detached structure like a pole barn, garage, or shed isn’t just about burying a wire underground. There’s a specific process that must be followed to ensure the installation is safe, code-compliant, and built to last.
Here’s what a typical project includes:
Permitting & Planning – Every project starts with a site inspection and electrical load calculation to determine your needs and secure any required permits.
Trenching & Conduit Installation – We safely dig and run conduit underground to protect your electrical wiring from the elements and avoid accidental damage.
Subpanel Installation – We typically install a subpanel inside the outbuilding to distribute power where it’s needed.
Wiring & Fixtures – We run wiring throughout the structure and install outlets, light switches, ceiling lights, and exterior fixtures.
Final Inspection – All work is done to Michigan Electrical Code standards and inspected by your local authority before it’s energized.
Types of Electrical Panels We Install
Depending on the size and use of your outbuilding, we’ll recommend the best type of panel for your needs:
60-amp Panels – Great for basic lighting, outlets, and small tools.
100-amp Panels – Ideal for medium-sized workshops or detached garages with heavier electrical loads.
200-amp Panels – Best for large pole barns with HVAC units, welders, air compressors, or other high-powered equipment.
We always size your panel to allow for future expansion—because you never know what you might want to add down the road.
Why Run Power to a Shed, Garage, or Pole Barn?
We get it- some projects feel tempting to tackle on your own. But running power to an outbuilding is not a safe DIY project. Why?
Mistakes can lead to electrical fires, shocks, or serious injuries
Improper trenching can hit gas or water lines
Failed inspections mean expensive rework
Insurance claims may be denied if the work wasn’t done by a licensed electrician
When you hire Hartland Electric, you can rest easy knowing every wire, fixture, and breaker is installed correctly, safely, and legally.
20+ Years of Pole Barn Power Installation Experience
Flexible Financing to Power Your Pole Barn- Without the Shock to Your Wallet
Hartland Electric has teamed up with Synchrony to offer you affordable and accessible consumer loans. The application process is quick, secure, and hassle-free, providing instant decisions with no impact on your credit score!
Michigan Electrical Code Requirements
Every installation must follow the Michigan Residential and Electrical Code, which includes:
Proper conduit depth for underground wiring (usually 18–24 inches depending on the wiring method)
Dedicated grounding systems for detached structures
GFCI protection for outlets in garages, sheds, and outdoor areas
Correct breaker sizing based on the intended electrical load
Cutting corners or skipping inspections can lead to serious hazards or failed approvals, which is why professional installation is a must.
This Is Not a DIY Job- Here’s Why
There are dozens of reasons to bring power to a detached structure, including:
Lighting for visibility and safety
Power tools and equipment for hobbies or work
Charging stations for electric vehicles or power tools
Climate control with electric heaters or mini-splits
Home office or living space conversion
Security systems, cameras, and motion-activated lighting
Why Homeowners & Business Owners Trust Hartland Electric
Licensed and Insured: We’re fully qualified to install electrical systems for any outbuilding.
20+ Years of Experience: We’ve wired everything from small sheds to full-scale agricultural buildings.
Code-Compliant Work: We follow all local and state codes and coordinate inspections so you don’t have to.
No Surprises: Upfront pricing, clear communication, and expert advice from start to finish.
Ready to Add Power to Your Outbuilding?
Don’t risk it—let Michigan’s most trusted electricians get the job done right the first time.
Call Hartland Electric today to schedule your free estimate or ask questions about wiring your pole barn, garage, or shed.
Celebrating 20 Years of Supporting Our Community!
We Answer Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About Pole Barn Power Installation
How deep do I need to bury conduit or cable to a pole barn?
When running power to a pole barn or any detached outbuilding, the depth at which you bury the conduit or cable depends on the type of wiring method you’re using and the level of protection it provides:
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC): Minimum 6 inches deep
PVC Conduit (Schedule 40 or 80): Minimum 18 inches deep
Direct Burial Cable (e.g., UF cable without conduit): Minimum 24 inches deep
GFCI-Protected Circuit in Rigid Conduit (for 20-amp or less): Minimum 12 inches deep
These guidelines are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and adopted by the Michigan Electrical Code. They are designed to protect the wiring from damage due to digging, freezing, or soil movement.
It’s important to remember that local permitting authorities may have additional requirements, and trenches should always be inspected before backfilling.
Not sure which method is right for your outbuilding?
Let Hartland Electric handle the planning, permitting, trenching, and installation—so everything is safe, code-compliant, and done right the first time.
What size wire or conduit do I need for my outbuilding?
The size of wire and conduit needed to power your outbuilding—whether it’s a pole barn, garage, or shed—depends on three key factors:
How much power you need
The distance from your main panel to the outbuilding
Whether you’re installing a subpanel or just a single circuit
General Guidelines:
For basic lighting and a few outlets (like in a small shed):
Wire: #10 copper wire
Conduit: ¾-inch PVC or EMT
Circuit: 20 amps
For workshops or garages with tools or heaters:
Wire: #6 or #4 copper, depending on the load and distance
Conduit: 1-inch or larger PVC/EMT
Panel: Typically a 60 to 100-amp subpanel
For long distances (100 feet or more):
You’ll need larger wire to handle voltage drop. For example, a 100-amp subpanel 150 feet away usually requires #2 aluminum or #4 copper.
For 200-amp service to a large outbuilding with high-powered equipment (welders, HVAC, etc.):
Wire: 4/0 aluminum or 2/0 copper
Conduit: 2-inch PVC or EMT, minimum
Don’t Guess—Get It Right the First Time
Choosing the wrong wire size can lead to overheating, breaker tripping, or fire hazards. That’s why Hartland Electric always starts with a load calculation and site assessment to determine the safest and most efficient setup for your specific needs.
We’ll take care of:
Proper wire sizing
Correct conduit type and depth
Voltage drop calculations
Code-compliant installation
Let the pros at Hartland Electric power your outbuilding the right way—safely, legally, and built to last.
Do I need a subpanel and 4-wire feed vs multi‑wire branch circuit?
Whether your outbuilding needs a subpanel with a 4-wire feed or just a multi-wire branch circuit depends on how much power you need and how you plan to use the space.
You’ll Likely Need a Subpanel with a 4-Wire Feed If:
You plan to use multiple circuits (lights, outlets, equipment, etc.)
You want expandability for future needs
You’re running 240V equipment (like welders, compressors, or HVAC)
The outbuilding is detached from the main house
You need to turn power off independently from the main house panel
In this case, you’ll need:
2 Hot wires + 1 Neutral + 1 Ground (a 4-wire feed)
A grounding electrode system (ground rods) at the outbuilding
A main breaker or disconnect at the subpanel
A Multi-Wire Branch Circuit Might Work If:
You only need a couple of outlets or lights
You’re using just a single 120V circuit or a simple 240V circuit
You don’t need to add more circuits in the future
This setup uses shared neutral wiring, but it’s more limited and typically only allowed under very specific conditions. It’s not ideal for most modern outbuilding setups and may not pass inspection depending on your local code.
Bottom Line: Subpanel = Safety, Flexibility, and Future-Proofing
At Hartland Electric, we almost always recommend a subpanel with a 4-wire feed for detached structures. It’s safer, more versatile, and keeps your electrical system up to code.
Not sure what your setup requires? We’ll perform a full site evaluation, calculate your load, and recommend the right solution—no guesswork, no headaches, and no surprises.
Hartland Electric: Powering Outbuildings the Safe and Smart Way.
Can I use Romex or do I need conduit/raceway inside a pole barn?
When it comes to wiring the inside of a pole barn, garage, or shed, many people wonder if they can use Romex (NM cable) or if they’re required to use conduit or raceway systems instead.
Here’s what you need to know:
Romex (NM Cable) Is Limited in Pole Barns
Romex is not rated for exposure to moisture, physical damage, or direct sunlight. Since most pole barns have exposed framing, no drywall, and high humidity, Romex is often not permitted or highly discouraged in these conditions.
Unless your pole barn is:
Fully finished (insulated, drywalled, climate-controlled)
Free from moisture or dust
Protected from physical damage
…Romex likely won’t meet code.
Conduit or Raceway Is Typically Required
In most pole barns, we install wiring using:
EMT (metal conduit) or
PVC conduit with THHN/THWN-2 wire
These systems protect the wiring from damage, corrosion, and UV exposure—and are fully compliant with Michigan Electrical Code for unfinished or agricultural buildings.
Why It Matters
Using the wrong wiring method can lead to:
Failed inspections
Fire or shock hazards
Insurance issues if something goes wrong
That’s why Hartland Electric always uses the correct wiring materials for the environment—safe, code-compliant, and built to last.
Not sure what’s allowed in your building?
Let us take a look and design a wiring plan that works for your layout, meets all code requirements, and keeps your investment protected.
What permits and code considerations apply when running power to a shed?
Running power to a shed—or any detached structure like a pole barn, garage, or workshop—isn’t just about digging a trench and hooking up a few wires. It involves specific permits and code requirements to ensure the installation is safe, legal, and up to modern standards.
Permits You’ll Likely Need:
Electrical Permit: Required before any wiring begins; issued by your local municipality or building department.
Inspection Approval: A certified electrical inspector will review the work after installation to ensure it meets state and local code.
Zoning or Site Permit (sometimes required): Especially if trenching crosses property lines or public easements.
Key Code Requirements You Must Follow:
Underground Wiring Depth:
Minimum 18 inches deep for conduit
Minimum 24 inches for direct burial cable
Conduit Use:
Required when wiring may be exposed to damage or moisture (especially in unfinished structures)
Subpanel Installation:
If the shed will have multiple circuits or 240V power, a subpanel with a 4-wire feed is typically required
Grounding Electrode System:
You’ll need ground rods installed at the shed for safety
GFCI Protection:
All outlets in the shed must be GFCI-protected, even if they’re not outdoors
Weatherproof Fixtures:
Any exterior lighting or outlets must be rated for outdoor use
Neutral and Ground Separation:
In subpanels located in detached structures, neutral and ground wires must be isolated, not bonded together
Don’t Skip Permits—Here’s Why:
Trying to do the work without proper permits or inspections can lead to:
Failed resale inspections
Insurance claim denials
Fines or stop-work orders
Serious safety risks
Let Hartland Electric Handle It All
We take care of permitting, planning, and inspection coordination so you don’t have to worry. From the first trench to the final outlet, we ensure your shed’s electrical system is done safely, up to code, and ready to power whatever you have in mind.
Hartland Electric: Your Trusted Experts for Safe, Code-Compliant Outbuilding Power
Keep Your Barn or Outbuilding Powered- Even When the Grid Goes Down
Installing a backup generator ensures your pole barn, shed, or garage stays functional during unexpected outages. Whether you rely on it for tools, equipment, heating, or storage, a generator provides seamless, automatic power so your outbuilding stays up and running- no matter what’s happening with the weather or the grid.
Hartland's Most Referred Pole Barn Power Electricians
While we’re seasoned experts at running power to outbuildings and pole barns, we are well versed in ALL electrical repairs and installations!
Electrical Repairs
Our licensed electricians troubleshoot your electrical issues, and then perform all repairs, from rewiring and storm damage repair to electrical panel replacement.
Electrical Installations
Whether you need a flat screen TV mounted, a ceiling fan hung, a light installed, or any other powered device installed, our licensed electricians can do it all!
Generator Installation
Keep your refrigerator, AC, heat, internet, and other essential devices running uninterrupted during power outages with a Generac whole home generator.
EV Charger Installation
We make it easy to charge your electric vehicle by installing a Level 1 or 2 charger, or a Level 3 charger that supports up to an 80% charge in 30 minutes!
See WHY We Are...
The Most Referred Pole Barn Power Electricians
We know our sh*t, and… we offer a 100% guarantee on our work for two full years!
Financing Available for Pole Barn & Outbuilding Electrical Projects
Want to run power to your pole barn, garage, or shed but prefer not to pay for everything up front? We’ve got you covered.
Hartland Electric offers flexible financing options to help you afford the electrical panel, switches, outlets, and fixtures your outbuilding needs- without draining your wallet. Powering your space has never been easier or more budget-friendly.
Affordable Financing Terms
- No money down
- Easy monthly payments
- Quick, easy, and safe - fast credit decision in about 10 minutes
- No application fee - No closing costs - No prepayment penalties!
For the Repairs & Upgrades You Need
- Whole house or stand-by generators
- Electrical repairs and upgrades
- Hot Tub installation
- EV Charger installation
- And more!
Request an Estimate
Choosing a licensed, experienced electrician to run power to your pole barn, shed, or garage is essential for ensuring a safe, code-compliant installation. At Hartland Electric, we’re a family-owned company proudly serving Hartland, Howell, Brighton, and the surrounding areas with reliable, high-quality electrical services.
Our electricians arrive ready to work with fully stocked trucks, the right equipment, and the expertise to install electrical panels, outlets, switches, and lighting systems that power your outbuilding safely and efficiently. We’re committed to doing the job right the first time—and delivering the kind of customer service that keeps us the most referred electrician in the area.
Get It Done, With Confidence
Discover why so many home and business owners trust Hartland Electric for over 20 years with ALL of their electrical needs.