When Is The Right Time To Install Electrics In A Pub Shed

Whether you are building a pub shed, indoor home bar, basement bar or converting an old shed in into a home pub, you will need electrics at some point. But when is the right time to install electrics in a pub shed?

I initially thought it would be best to install the electrics once the shed was built, before any fixtures or fittings. However this might not be the best time to install the electrics.

The easiest time to install electrics in a pub shed is before any fixtures and fittings. Cables can be routed easily without any obstructions. However it is not easy to know exactly where to place sockets and light switches without fixtures and fittings. You may have a plan of where everything is going, but these can change as you fit out your pub shed. This means your power outlets could end up in the wrong place.

No one wants to have to change the position of the sockets or switches once they are installed. So it is a good idea to get the fixtures and fittings in place first. With a mind to how cables can be routed around them.

What Electrics Should Be Considered In A Pub Shed?

The most common electrics for a pub shed are lighting and power outlets for appliances and other electrical goods.

However it is what you are going to include in your pub shed that will determine the amount or type of lights. As well as how many power outlets you may need.

The most common electrics to consider are:

Lighting: Consider what type of lighting you want. Spotlights, pendants, strip lights or wall lights. Of course it will depend on the size of the pub shed to how much lighting might be needed.

Power Outlets: Obviously power outlets will need to be installed. List all the appliances or equipment you may need to plug in. This will determine the amount of outlets you will need.

It is a good idea to add one or two more than you think you need. There is nothing worse than being short of power outlets in any room.

Heating And Cooling: You may need to heat or cool your pub shed depending on your climate. Decide what type of heating or cooling system you are going to install.

This may be hard wired or plugged into a power outlet so plan ahead.

Audio And Visual Equipment: Entertainment equipment can add up with speakers, TV’s or projectors. As well as radios. Hi-Fi’s and lighting.

Factor in any internet connection you may want too like routers and network devices.

This equipment can eat up power outlets which is why it is important to fit an adequate amount for all your equipment and appliances.

Bar Equipment: The same goes for bar equipment, things like refrigerators, kegerators, blenders or draft machines can soon occupy power outlets.

Security: If you are fitting an alarm or security cameras to your pub shed think about how they will be powered.

Outdoor Lighting: Any outside area will benefit from lighting as well as power outlets. So consider how many outside lights or power outlets you may need.

These are the common electrics to consider when you are planning your pub shed.

What To Fit In A Pub Shed Before Electrics

It all depends on what you intend to fit in your pub shed as to when the electrics should be installed. However the main thing to consider is the bar.

The bar will determine where you might place the lights for the bar area. As well as where the power outlets might go for appliances that will be behind the bar.

The important elements of my pub shed are the main bar structure, the back bar and the fixed seating area. Now they are built and in place, I can determine exactly where I need my power outlets.

I have a fridge for beer, a fridge for use as a fermentation unit. As well as the possibility of a cooler for a beer pump set up in the future.

Now the bar is built I can decide exactly where these things will go and determine the best place for the power outlets.

As there will be sockets behind the bar, the structure had to be built for them to be put in place. However I have left space for the cables to be routed in and around the bar.

The Seating Area

The same goes for the seating area, without out it in place I didn’t know exactly where to place the sockets that are going either side of it.

Again I have not fixed the seating, which means I can move it and route the cables behind it as necessary. Once the electrics are in place I can then fix the seating in position.

Electrical Installation

Once you know how many power outlets you need and where you want them. As well as light fittings and switches, then it is time to install the electrics.

However unless you are a qualified electrician do not attempt to install the electrics yourself. Always employ a qualified electrician to install all your pub shed electrics.

You can mark where you want the power outlets, light fittings and switches to go. Also make sure that it is easy for the electrician to route all the cables.

It is okay to purchase all the electricals such as light fittings, outlets, switches and cable which may or may not save you money. However make sure you consult with your electrician beforehand so that you get the right cable for the job.

Related: Important Things For A Pub Shed

Final Thoughts

I thought my electrical installation would be the first job after the actual shed was built. I intended to get the electrics in before anything else was fitted.

However because of my excitement to get the bar built, I went ahead and built the bar before even thinking about the electrics.

This turned out to be a blessing because as I built the bar I realised I need more sockets than I first thought. I also change my mind where the fridge was going as the back bar was built.

This prompted me to get the seating built too, just to make sure where the other sockets that will not service the bar area will go.

Now all inside construction is done I can get the electrics installed knowing exactly how many outlets and light fittings I need and where they are going.

Obviously this is all based on my own experience and pub shed. However each pub shed or home bar is unique. So use it only as a guide and adapt as necessary.

If you have any other points to add or tips to the electrical installation in a pub shed. Then do share your thoughts below.