Adding electricity to a shed or garden room can completely transform it from a simple outdoor structure into a practical, usable living space. If you're planning to have a garden room, power is essential. Lights, heating, Wi-Fi, and appliances all rely on electricity and without it, your new space will feel unfinished.
But here’s the important part: wiring a shed or garden room is not as simple as a DIY job. In the UK, strict safety rules apply, and electrical work must be carried out or at least signed off by a qualified professional. That leaves many homeowners asking:
- How do I get electricity to my shed or garden room?
- What regulations apply?
- Do I need a permit?
- And how much does it all cost?
This guide answers all of these questions, step by step, so you can move forward with your project confidently, legally, and safely.
Electricity to Shed Regulations in the UK
Running power to an outdoor building isn’t as simple as trialling an extension lead through the back door… we all wish it was, but that would be extremely unsafe and goes against multiple UK regulatory compliances. All permanent outdoor electric work falls under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Part P requires that major electrical installations, including wiring outdoors, be carried out by a competent person (a registered electrician with NICEIC, ELECSA or NAPIT certification). The reason you have to get someone to do this? Outdoor electrics face added risks from damp, weather and damage from gardening tools or animals. An unqualified install could result in shocks, fire hazards or fines.
The best options:
Hire a competent person. The simple route. A registered electrician will install the electrics and self-certify the work. This means that it is automatically compliant, and you’ll receive a Building Regulations Compliant Certificate.
DIY - but read this first!
DIY is an option, but there are some steps you have to take to make it compliant. If you choose to take this route, you need to notify your local council before the work begins. The council will then send out an inspector to check and sign off on the installation. You’ll still be responsible for the inspection fees, however.
It’s often the more expensive and time-consuming option.
What about Scotland & Wales?
Scotland. While Part P doesn’t apply, electrical work must still follow BS 7671 Wiring Regulations and be carried out by a competent professional under the Scottish Building Standards.
Wales. Fully follows Part P, the same as England.
Do I Need a Permit to Run Electricity to My Shed?
The good news is that the UK doesn’t operate on a permit system like in some countries. Instead, electrical work is classified as either notifiable or non-notifiable under the building regulations
Running a new power supply to an outdoor building counts as notifiable work. That simply means it must be inspected and certified. If you hire a competent person, they can sign the work off without you needing to do anything - simple!
In conclusion, no permit is needed.
How to Get Electricity to a Shed or Garden Room: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Plan your needs - Make a list of all the appliances or features you want to incorporate into your new room, for example:
- Lighting (overhead, task, or mood lighting)
- Heating (electric radiators or underfloor heating)
- Wi-Fi boosters or routers
- Office equipment (computers, printers)
- Kitchen or cooking appliances
- Gym equipment or power tools
This helps your electrician calculate the correct load, cable size and circuits required.
Step 2: Find a qualified electrician.
The next step is hiring a professional. Look for an electrician registered with NICEIC, ELECSA or NAPIT certification. A certified electrician doesn’t just complete the job safely—they can self-certify it, saving you hassle and extra fees.
Step 3: Get a quote
Invite your chosen electrician to walk through your garden. Show them your fuse box, the planned location of your room, and explain all your electrical needs. Based on this, they’ll give you a full written quote that covers parts, labour, and certification.
Step 4: Prepare the site
One of the variables in cost is the preparation of the cable by digging a trench. This part can save you a little bit of money if you do it for your electrician but you do need to check the depth and route with the electrician soon. Or simply have the electrician prepare it themself.
Top tip: Use spray paint or string to mark the route and dig the trench to the specified depth with a spade or shovel, typically between 450 - 600 millimetres. Do check first!
Your electrician will install a Steel Wired Armoured (SWA) cable, a cable designed to resist weather, roots, rodents and accidental damage from any gardening tools. They’ll fit a fuse box into the garden room before wiring the sockets, switches and lighting circuits. All fittings will be IP-rated; they’re designed to prevent moisture damage
Inside the shed or garden room, they will fit a small consumer unit, often referred to as a fuse box, before wiring the sockets, switches, and lighting circuits. All fittings will be IP-rated, meaning they are designed to prevent moisture damage.
How Much Does it Cost to Run Electricity to a Shed?
The cost of running electricity can vary based on several factors, but we'll break it down:
- The length of the cable is important; the further you have the garden room, the more cable and groundwork that's needed.
- The number of circuits is important too. The number of sockets, lighting or heavy-use appliances means more work and a higher cost.
The truth is that costs vary depending on several factors. The length of the cable run is important, as the further your garden room is from the house the more cable and digging is required. The number of circuits also plays a role, since more sockets, lighting, or heavy-use appliances mean more work and higher costs. Whether you dig the trench yourself or leave it to the electrician also makes a difference, as does the state of your existing home electrics. If your main fuse box is outdated, it may need upgrading before a new connection can be made.
A basic setup with just a few sockets and lights close to the house typically costs between £600 and £900. A mid-range setup with multiple sockets and circuits, and a longer cable run, may cost between £1,000 and £1,500. A high-spec installation designed for a fully equipped garden office, gym, or kitchen space can easily cost between £1,500 and £3,000 or more.
These costs cover professional installation, certification, and safety. Cutting corners might save a little upfront, but it risks major expense and complications later.
Why Choose Cabin Master for a Garden Room with Power
At Cabin Master, we know how important electricity is to making your outdoor building truly functional. That is why every one of our garden rooms includes a full electrical package as standard.
This ensures your wiring is installed and certified by professionals, you have enough sockets and lighting for your needs, and all work complies with UK regulations. Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind that your investment is safe and legal.
With over 20 years of experience, our team ensures your garden room is ready to use from day one, whether that is for work, fitness, relaxation, or entertaining.
If you would like to see our garden rooms in person, you can visit one of our show sites across the UK.
