Wiring an outdoor dog house

[rtull32]

I am planning to run electricity to power an air conditioning/heating unit and lights in a dog house in our back yard (roughly 50' away from the meter). I have worked with indoor wiring before but never outdoor or wiring off of a breaker box/meter; only existing wiring. My plan is to run off the meter to a new breaker box (instead of trying to run through the brick to get to the existing breaker), I would most likely also use this breaker box for a sprinkler system. Is this a feasible way of doing things or is there a better alternative? What other issues do I need to be worrying about? The air conditioning unit will plug in to a gfci plug from what I know i will also need a switch before the plug and of course the proper one call notification and permits. Any insight to ensure this project goes smoothly would be great. Thank you in advance for the help and I look forward to getting to know all you guys!


P.S.
Please don't turn this into how dogs that are left outside are mistreated and all the other ****....my dogs do come inside they are EXTREMELY well cared for but they can't be inside 24/7 so I want them to be as comfortable outside as they are inside...

 

[RacerX10]

Dogs with an ac and heating unit don't qualify as mistreated lol

 

[rtull32]

You'd be surprised the responses I've gotten saying I'm a horrible dog owner for leaving them outside...RIDICULOUS

 

[Maticuno]

My dog lives outside but I built her a sweet dog house out of a re-purposed sauna.

Where do you live? I can't imagine needing to pull permits to run an exterior conduit line.

 

[rtull32]

Odessa Texas after looking a bit more doesn't look like I will need permits, just a one call and figure out how to hook up to power. My biggest concern is where I can hook the power into I'd rather avoid busting into the brick if I can. I will be running pvc pipe for water supply to the same dog house so will be doing sprinklers in the front and back yards all at the same time (electrical and water supply in this project) 115 degree dry heat is pretty rough even in the shade around here! Heater may be used couple weeks out of the year.


Edit:
This is similar to what I plan on using.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/SPT-9-000-BTU-Portable-Air-Conditioner-with-Heat-WA-9061H/202677440/

 

[MTW]

It's not code to tap off the meter and install another panel outside, when the main panel and breaker is inside. They need to be grouped together, for disconnecting power in an emergency.

Put a hole in that brick, and run out an oversized conduit to a weatherproof box for the connection point to your outdoor equipment. Lawn sprinkler systems are lo volt powered, the supply transformer normally needs to be located indoors.

MTW Ω

 

[rtull32]

It's not code to tap off the meter and install another panel outside, when the main panel and breaker is inside. They need to be grouped together, for disconnecting power in an emergency.

Put a hole in that brick, and run out an oversized conduit to a weatherproof box for the connection point to your outdoor equipment. Lawn sprinkler systems are lo volt powered, the supply transformer normally needs to be located indoors.

MTW Ω

I was afraid that was going to be an issue...guess I need to get home and look at my current panel and go from there. Would it be ok to run the sprinklers and the dog house on the same circuit? Or better to separate them out?


Edit:
For conduit PVC, RMC, thoughts, opinions, etc...

 

[mrolds88]

As far as pulling from the meter socket, you MAY be able to do it, depending on the meter socket. I put a 400A meter socket at my new place. (Yeah I know) and split it into 2 200A circuits. One for the house, one for the garage. On the back of the meter socket I had to put in double contact lugs similar to these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ilsco-AU-80...317?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item567616c1ad Then it conformed to code for the 2 circuits.

Note: all my equipment was inside a structure.

 

[Syberia]

The sprinklers shouldn't use more than a couple watts, shouldn't be an issue wherever you want to power it from.

What size a/c and heater are you running? If you have an outdoor receptacle on an already lightly-loaded circuit like a patio, tapping off that might be an easier option.

 

[rtull32]

The sprinklers shouldn't use more than a couple watts, shouldn't be an issue wherever you want to power it from.

What size a/c and heater are you running? If you have an outdoor receptacle on an already lightly-loaded circuit like a patio, tapping off that might be an easier option.

See above for link to ac. Only outdoor plugs I have are coming from the eve of the house and one from the patio with more bends (and concrete) between it and the end point.

 

[PelicanPines]

My garage has heat and ac... not for me... for the two stray cats that sleep there at night. I congratulate you for doing what you are doing. Also want to see how this turns out. Best of luck.

 

[rtull32]

As far as pulling from the meter socket, you MAY be able to do it, depending on the meter socket. I put a 400A meter socket at my new place. (Yeah I know) and split it into 2 200A circuits. One for the house, one for the garage. On the back of the meter socket I had to put in double contact lugs similar to these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ilsco-AU-80...317?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item567616c1ad Then it conformed to code for the 2 circuits.

Note: all my equipment was inside a structure.

I will get back to the house and figure out exactly what I have this afternoon.

 

[rtull32]

My garage has heat and ac... not for me... for the two stray cats that sleep there at night. I congratulate you for doing what you are doing. Also want to see how this turns out. Best of luck.

Thanks bud it's bugging me that they are out there now even briefly with no ac. I will definitely post progress to either this thread or a new one as I get going.

 

[Syberia]

100' extension cord from patio outlet to doghouse? In all honesty that's probably what I'd end up doing.

Also, I just want to point out that the unit you're considering purchasing is a single-hose portable A/C. In other words, ****. It'll put cool air out of the vent, sure, but at the same time, it's sucking already-cooled air from your doghouse, past the condenser, and throwing it outside through the exhaust. The result is spot cooling but near zero heat loss from the room, because the air it pushes out is then replaced with hot air from outside.

If at all possible, consider a window unit (mount it through the wall if you have no windows). It will cool MUCH better, and use less electricity doing it.

I had a portable model similar to the one you referenced for my home office, and I returned it within a couple days because it didn't cool for ****. To give you an idea of the level of ****, it ran all the time and lowered the temperature by a few degrees and that's it. I don't think it ever successfully cooled the room below 80 no matter how much it ran. I replaced it with a window unit of equal BTUs that has no problem cooling off the room.

 

[rtull32]

100' extension cord from patio outlet to doghouse? In all honesty that's probably what I'd end up doing.

Also, I just want to point out that the unit you're considering purchasing is a single-hose portable A/C. In other words, ****. It'll put cool air out of the vent, sure, but at the same time, it's sucking already-cooled air from your doghouse, past the condenser, and throwing it outside through the exhaust. The result is spot cooling but near zero heat loss from the room, because the air it pushes out is then replaced with hot air from outside.

If at all possible, consider a window unit (mount it through the wall if you have no windows). It will cool MUCH better, and use less electricity doing it.

I had a portable model similar to the one you referenced for my home office, and I returned it within a couple days because it didn't cool for ****. To give you an idea of the level of ****, it ran all the time and lowered the temperature by a few degrees and that's it. I don't think it ever successfully cooled the room below 80 no matter how much it ran. I replaced it with a window unit of equal BTUs that has no problem cooling off the room.

Thanks that is great input I was actually looking for alternatives to window units but don't want to give up performance. I was hoping one of those could be a little more hidden from view but not worth it if it doesn't do its job.

As for the extension cord not sure the fiancé would let me get away with a cord sprawled across the yard and personally I don't like the idea of burying it either.

 

[bzinsky]

I am planning to run electricity to power an air conditioning/heating unit and lights in a dog house in our back yard (roughly 50' away from the meter).

Please don't turn this into how dogs that are left outside are mistreated and all the other ****.....

Gotta laugh when you think anyone is going to accuse you of mistreating your dog when you're adding hvac and lighting to a dog house.

Have you considered digging him a big hole in the ground? Like a big rabbit den? Might not need hvac.

 

[rtull32]

I'm not just thinking they will I have already been accused of it on other sites for this... sad but true. As far as digging a hole I can't get any excavators back there and it is rock past about 6" of top soil. Digging fence post by hand was enough of that for me!


Edit:

Here are my spoiled pups



....BIG HOLE TOO

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[rtull32]

Here are the current plans...still lack the front yard sprinkler layout, dimensions, and sprinkler wiring.

 

[rtull32]

Just got a reply on another site...which has provided absolutely no technical advice like I have gotten here...saying that the sound of an air conditioner was torturing the dogs and they should not be forced to stay in such an environment. That was the reason for the P.S. here. Absolutely crazy people in this world. Sorry way off topic just had to share.

 

[cabin fever]

How big of dog house are you gonna build?

I also keep my A/C on in the garage for our spoiled dogs, and Heat in the winter.

 

[rtull32]

It is roughly 8 x 4 split into 2 sections so we can keep the male and female separate. 8x8 will be the area with a roof for outside shade 8x4 will be enclosed.

 

[Toolfool]

My advice would be to consult with a licensed electrician in your area.

 

[Aceman]

I see 4 options, listed best to worst.

1. Come out of the existing house panel to feed your doghouse panel.
2. Replace the outside meterbase with a metermain and refeed your house panel as well as doghouse panel.
3. Replace your meterbase with a 400 amp unit that comes with dual lugs(made to feed two panels), refeed your house panel and also run service conductors to a second main panel on the doghouse. Check with your inspector and power company before attempting this option though, it may not be allowed in your area.
4. Set a second service on the doghouse.

 

[HOTFR8]

Spoilt rotten Dogs. I find the comment on the air con a bit odd. If it was to noisy in the Kennel would it not be to noisy in your house ?

Seriously you are kind to your Dogs as they say here if it is cold then your Dog will feel it just like you do and if it is hot and you feel the heat then you Dog needs to be cool as well.

Please post photos as to how you finish this.

 

[rtull32]

I see 4 options, listed best to worst.

1. Come out of the existing house panel to feed your doghouse panel.
2. Replace the outside meterbase with a metermain and refeed your house panel as well as doghouse panel.
3. Replace your meterbase with a 400 amp unit that comes with dual lugs(made to feed two panels), refeed your house panel and also run service conductors to a second main panel on the doghouse. Check with your inspector and power company before attempting this option though, it may not be allowed in your area.
4. Set a second service on the doghouse.

After getting a chance to go look exactly what I have out on the outside of the house I believe this issue to be resolved





Thank goodness I don't have to go through the brick!

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[rtull32]

Spoilt rotten Dogs. I find the comment on the air con a bit odd. If it was to noisy in the Kennel would it not be to noisy in your house ?

Seriously you are kind to your Dogs as they say here if it is cold then your Dog will feel it just like you do and if it is hot and you feel the heat then you Dog needs to be cool as well.

Please post photos as to how you finish this.

I agree completely ridiculous...I will post a new thread for the entire out side project in the plans I posted above planning to get started Saturday.

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[TheEquineFencer]

I am planning to run electricity to power an air conditioning/heating unit and lights in a dog house in our back yard (roughly 50' away from the meter). I have worked with indoor wiring before but never outdoor or wiring off of a breaker box/meter; only existing wiring. My plan is to run off the meter to a new breaker box (instead of trying to run through the brick to get to the existing breaker), I would most likely also use this breaker box for a sprinkler system. Is this a feasible way of doing things or is there a better alternative? What other issues do I need to be worrying about? The air conditioning unit will plug in to a gfci plug from what I know i will also need a switch before the plug and of course the proper one call notification and permits. Any insight to ensure this project goes smoothly would be great. Thank you in advance for the help and I look forward to getting to know all you guys!


P.S.
Please don't turn this into how dogs that are left outside are mistreated and all the other ****....my dogs do come inside they are EXTREMELY well cared for but they can't be inside 24/7 so I want them to be as comfortable outside as they are inside...

I think they are being mistreated! Where is their swimming pool? Our dogs have a "Butler" that turns them in and out when it's hot. We provide them with cool water and several nice couches and dog beds. They even have a swimming pool in the back yard to lay/swim in when it's hot. They also have some very nice "dog toys", live sheep to chase around to keep their herding instincts keen.

 

[rtull32]

I think they are being mistreated! Where is their swimming pool? Our dogs have a "Butler" that turns them in and out when it's hot. We provide them with cool water and several nice couches and dog beds. They even have a swimming pool in the back yard to lay/swim in when it's hot. They also have some very nice "dog toys", live sheep to chase around to keep their herding instincts keen.

Lmao individual dog beds ac constant supply of fresh water tons of toys all they are missing is that new educational tv for dogs!

 

[MBfreak]

Hi.
My $0,02 on electrical safety for dwellings for four legged animals.
In Sweden the requirements on grounding, accessibility and ground fault breakers are more stringent than in a dwelling for people.

One reason is that any ground fault current thru an animal tends to pass over the chest cavity and knock out the animals heart.
Have just helped a friend convert a large horse stable to a shop. Wooden building with lots of steel beams for support. Every beam was bonded at two points to a copper ground net cast into the concrete. There were four ground pits .
It was paid for by an insurance company so probably built to the very highest standard.

Check out your rules for a dog house with electrical installations.

Ola

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Lmao individual dog beds ac constant supply of fresh water tons of toys all they are missing is that new educational tv for dogs!

LMAO< we have a "tutor" come in for the training for use along with the "dog toys"...

 

[Todd.Brock]

I liked option 4. Set a new meter base and Bill the pups.....

Why the heck would you have an external subpanel outside? I assume you have a full panel inside?

 

[rtull32]

I liked option 4. Set a new meter base and Bill the pups.....

Why the heck would you have an external subpanel outside? I assume you have a full panel inside?

Yes full panel inside.



Outside panel has main 150A breaker and one 30A breaker which I'm not sure what it goes to possibly outdoor lights and plugs?

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[wyliesdiesels]

Yes full panel inside.



Outside panel has main 150A breaker and one 30A breaker which I'm not sure what it goes to possibly outdoor lights and plugs?

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This thread is a prime example of why its best to check and see what you have and post pictures in the first post. That way we dont have to guess what u have and go off in the wrong direction. Most of the comments couldve been avoided had we known u had an outdoor main service panel!

That indoor panel isnt full!

And the outside 30a breaker would go to something like an AC condenser. 30a breaker would be too large for outside lights and plugs plus its double pole.

Your outside panel is actually your main service panel(someone above said subpanel)....

This project is actually pretty easy as far as design goes.

First u need to know what the requirements of the AC unit is. If it has a heater it most likely will be 240v. If thats the case AND u need 120v as well, then u will need to run a 4-wire feeder.

Figure out what your load requirements are and then post them here.

Sounds like the hardest part will be the pathway. If u cant get a trencher in there, your other option is to do an overhead feed, but u will need to use free-air wire....

BTW for the sprinkler controller all u should need is an outlet with a waterproof 'in-use' cover for the transformer unless it is a hardwired controller then u just run 120v to it.

 

[rtull32]

Granted I would have received more detailed per my application with the pictures first, I have learned a lot more from all your comments than I would have otherwise. I misunderstood what he meant by "full inside panel" I do know that there are still plenty of space for more breakers. I plan to run just a basic window unit type of ac no heat if I need heat in the winter it will only be for very short periods of time and heat lamps will suffice. I have a materials list put together and a full set of quick acad plans. Will be buying material and renting a trencher this afternoon.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So what did u decide on? Circuit ampacity, wire type, route, etc?

 

[rtull32]

20 amp circuit 12 gauge wire in pvc conduit to a switch then to the outlet mounted to the 4x4 corner up high and away from the dogs.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

20 amp circuit 12 gauge wire in pvc conduit to a switch then to the outlet mounted to the 4x4 corner up high and away from the dogs.

If u feed it at the house with a GFCI then u only need to go down 12". With dogs I would definitely feed it with a GFCI.

 

[rtull32]

Yes it will definitely be GFCI. I am renting a trencher since our ground is really hard, it has a depth of 18" so I will do everything at 18" depth.

Edit:

West Texas frost line is about 12" I believe.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yes it will definitely be GFCI. I am renting a trencher since our ground is really hard, it has a depth of 18" so I will do everything at 18" depth.

Edit:

West Texas frost line is about 12" I believe.

Since u mention frost line, make sure to use expansion joints at every point where the conduit exits the ground!!

 

[rodm1]

You'd be surprised the responses I've gotten saying I'm a horrible dog owner for leaving them outside...RIDICULOUS

Actually you would be in the top 1% in my area! You must really love them and are a grate owner. Dogs like to bark and it doesn't seem to bother them sow I can't see a AC pump mattering.