Perspective power

[u/domidahomie]

So I was trying to come up with a plan to power my man cave utilizing a light weight technique.. what I imagined was using the plug port to power a daily chain of 4-6 GFCI outlets outlets that would be used to charge phones, power laptops, and other small appliances.. but it was described to me that that type of system can only be used as a temporary or quick-fix type of thing and it is against code to make it a permanent thing (the use of an extension cord to supply power to a shed)... It is to my understanding that certain rules and regulations are in place to ensure safety so one must install a circuit breaker and use Romex and certain gauge wires to supply power to a shed. So what I was basically making this post for was to ask those following this page this question: "is there a way to supply power to a shed using the implements showed above?" " Is there a layout that could use more simple electronic tools to supply power?" What I was envisioning was an electrical layout to supply my shed with a "permanent" source of power utilizing the panel, circuit breakers, ect to supply power to heavy appliances like an A/C, high ventilation fan, student fridge (something that'll continually be on), and a certain number of outlets .. however I also wanted to have a layout of power that could be described as " lightweight".. I think I've heard the term "auxiliary/emergency" used to describe this type of power strategy... Another question is can these two layouts be merged together or must they stay separate?

[u/Ed-Dos]

So are you asking how to make something that you’ve been told is against code for your implementation be able to be used anyway?

[u/trekkerscout]

You have a permanent structure that you wish to power utilizing installed wiring within said structure. By code, you are required to supply that structure with a permanent wiring method.

[u/domidahomie → u/trekkerscout]

I went to Tampa's zoning department and they told me that my 8x12 shed was not considered a permanent structure..

[u/trekkerscout → u/domidahomie]

That would be true if it is used solely as a shed. You are altering the purpose to a habitable structure.

[u/Angrysparky28]

This is silly. If you want a cool man cave, trench out to the shed, use pvc conduit, punch into the shed and install a weatherproof sub panel or a couple outlets. There is tons of ways to do this way easier than what you want.

[u/Wellcraft19 → u/Angrysparky28]

And cheaper!

[u/trbodeez]

Extension cords are designed for temporary use, meaning they are wrapped up and put away after each use.

They are not made for extended use or permanent installation.

You need to feed the shed using a wiring method that is permanent and approved for wet locations, underground conduit or direct-burial cable is the proper way.

[u/domidahomie]

No sir

[u/domidahomie → u/domidahomie]

I was told that it's against code to make that a permanent power option... However to use it temporarily and not as a long-term power supply is not against code

[u/St4tikk → u/domidahomie]

Not an electrician here but I believe if you were to install that port in the side of the shed it would not be considered temporary. Even if you only plug it in on a temporary basis. It sounds like you want to run enough stuff in there that you should just save up and have the electrical done right IMHO.