Adding electricity and lights to your chicken run roof can provide extra illumination and allow you to run electrical devices like heated waterers.
With proper planning and adherence to electrical codes, it can be a straightforward project. Here are the key steps to follow:
Get the Necessary Permits and Inspections
Most jurisdictions require permits for electrical work, even minor projects like wiring a chicken coop.
Check with your local building department to determine if you need:
- An electrical permit for the work
- A permit for the chicken coop itself
- Inspections after the work is complete
Getting the proper permits and inspections ensures the work meets local codes and is done safely.
Failing to get permits can also cause problems with your homeowners insurance if there are ever electrical issues.
Choose an Electrical Source
You have two main options for providing electricity to your chicken coop:
Option 1: Extend Your House Wiring
The simplest approach is to tap into the existing wiring from your house and extend it to the chicken coop. This involves:
- Running underground electrical cables from your breaker panel to the coop
- Installing a subpanel or junction box in the coop to split and distribute the wiring
- Having an electrician connect the new wiring to your main breaker panel
Using your existing electric service avoids the cost of a separate utility hookup for the coop. But it requires running wiring underground which can be labor intensive.
Option 2: Install a New Electrical Service
Alternatively, you can choose to bring electrical service directly from the utility company to your chicken coop. This involves:
- Working with the utility company to install a new metered service and breaker panel
- Paying any connection fees and monthly electric bills for the coop service
- Having an electrician connect the new service to your coop
While avoiding the need to trench wiring from your house, this option does add monthly electric bills just for your coop.
Determine Power Needs and Circuit Requirements
Once you've chosen an electrical supply source, estimate your coop's power requirements. Important factors are:
- Total wattage needed for lighting
- Electrical loads like water heaters
- Allowances for future electrical expansion
This helps determine:
- The amperage rating for the main breaker and wire size
- How many individual circuits to install
- Where dedicated circuits are needed (e.g. for large loads)
Having an electrician do proper load calculations ensures your electrical supply can support your coop's needs.
Run the Electrical Wires to the Coop
Based on your power needs and circuit plan, you can start running the actual wires:
Underground: Dig a trench at least 18 inches deep from the power source to the coop. Install schedule 40 PVC conduit, then pull the wiring through the conduit for protection.
Overhead: Install poles or roof attachments to run the electrical cable overhead, at least 8 ft. high. Use insulated wiring rated for outdoor use.
In the coop: Use metal conduit inside the coop walls and ceiling to protect wiring from damage. Have a qualified electrician make connections.
Properly running and protecting all wiring is critical for safety. Don't take shortcuts.
Install the Breaker Panel and Subpanel
You'll need to install a main breaker panel to receive the incoming electrical supply, located either:
- Next to your main breaker panel if tapping your house wiring
- On the coop wall if using a dedicated utility service
In addition, a subpanel may be added inside the coop to split wiring to individual circuits. Choose panels of the appropriate amperage rating for your electrical load.
Only qualified electricians should install and wire the breaker panels. Don't attempt this yourself.
Add Lighting Fixtures as Needed
Once the wiring is in place, you can install lighting fixtures:
- Choose weatherproof fixtures to withstand the coop environment
- Place lights to provide adequate illumination where needed
- Run separate circuits for lighting to prevent overloading
- Keep fixtures out of reach of chickens (at least 7 feet high)
Make sure lights are properly grounded and connected to the appropriate circuit breaker.
Consider Task-Specific Electrical Outlets
In addition to lighting, you may want to add electrical outlets in your chicken coop for devices like:
- Water heaters
- Fans or ventilation systems
- Electric animal deterrents
Provide dedicated circuits for large loads like water heaters. GFCI outlets are recommended to prevent electrocution. And always keep cords and outlets away from chicken reach.
Have an Electrician Complete the Connections
Only a licensed electrician should handle the final steps:
- Connecting all wires to the appropriate circuit breakers
- Testing that each individual circuit works properly
- Checking the feed from the main power source for adequate voltage and grounding
This ensures a safe installation that meets all electrical code requirements. Attempting the final wiring yourself risks hazardous conditions that could lead to fire or electrocution down the road. Hire an electrician.
Consider a Backup Power Source
While not essential, a backup power source like a small generator or battery bank can prove useful for emergency situations or power outages.
This would require:
- Wiring the coop subpanel to accommodate a generator or battery hookup
- Purchasing and installing the generator or battery bank
- Periodically testing the backup system
Backup power isn't mandatory but can provide peace of mind if your chickens rely on electrical systems for key functions like ventilation.
Schedule All Necessary Inspections
Remember to schedule all inspections required by the permit process.
This typically includes:
- A "rough in" inspection before insulation and walls are finished
- A final inspection to approve the complete installation
Passing required inspections is vital for safety and ensuring your work meets local electrical codes. Don't skip this important step.
Key Safety Tips
When adding electricity to a chicken coop, following basic safety principles is crucial:
- Use GFCI circuits for all outdoor outlets
- Include sufficient surge suppression
- Keep all wiring enclosed in conduit or panels
- Use dust-tight boxes and fixtures rated for wet locations
- Install wiring and fixtures out of reach of chickens
- Post warning signs if any high voltage equipment is present
- Check wiring condition periodically and repair any damage
Following codes and best practices will keep your chickens (and you) safe. Don't cut corners when working with electricity.
Choosing Appropriate Lighting
Here are some tips on selecting suitable lighting fixtures and bulbs for your coop:
Use Weatherproof Fixtures
Choose fixtures rated as waterproof and dust-tight. Some good options:
- Plastic dome lights
- Sealed LED fixtures
- Vapor tight fluorescent lights
Avoid open bulb fixtures which can be exposed to the elements. Also look for fixtures that keep bulbs enclosed.
Pick LED Bulbs for Efficiency
LED bulbs use far less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Select a "warm" LED color temperature around 2700-3000K to avoid harsh glaring light.
Size the Lighting Appropriately
Make sure you have enough total light wattage for the size of your coop, but avoid overlighting. As a general rule, aim for:
- 1-2 watts per square foot for general lighting
- 3-5 watts per square foot if using heat lamps
This provides adequate light for chickens without wasting electricity.
Use Dimmers or Timers
Dimmers or timers allow you to control the light level at different times of day. Helpful for:
- Creating dawn/dusk lighting effects
- Automatically turning lights on and off each day
- Saving energy when daylight provides sufficient light
Optimal lighting control promotes natural chicken behaviors.
By selecting suitable fixtures, bulbs, wattages and controls, you can meet your coop's lighting needs efficiently and effectively. Proper lighting is key to a healthy, highly-functioning chicken coop.
Key Considerations for Chicken Run Roof Electrification
When adding electricity to your chicken run roof, there are several important factors to consider that relate to the roof structure itself:
Roof Material Compatibility
The type of roofing material you use can impact wiring considerations. For example, installing conduit will be easier on a wooden roof versus a metal roof, which may require special flashing. Make sure your roof choice accommodates electrical needs.
Ventilation Around Electrical
Proper roof ventilation is still important for temperature regulation. Take care not to block airflow around lighting, outlets or other fixtures. Strategic placement is key.
Roof Drainage and Slope
Sufficient roof slope and drainage prevents moisture accumulation. This helps protect electrical wires and fixtures from deterioration or shorts. Account for drainage in roof design.
Accessibility for Wiring
Consider installing removable roofing sections or hatches to allow access for wiring the roof cavity without dismantling the entire structure. This makes installations and any repairs much simpler.
Insulation Around Wiring
Insulating the roof helps moderate temperature. But don't let insulation cram wires tightly, as this risks overheating. Leave space around wiring to allow air circulation.
Lighting Fixture Placement
Properly placing light fixtures provides illumination while keeping them out of chicken reach. Also consider fixture alignment to avoid glare in chicken living areas.
Rafters for Fixture Attachment
Strong rafters are needed to securely hold lighting fixtures and conduit. Account for electrical loads in rafter design and attachment.
Moisture Protection for Wires
Use roofing felt or other barriers to prevent water from seeping down to electrical components. Keep wires dry for optimal function and long life.
Thinking through these roof-specific factors will lead to an electrical installation tailored to your unique chicken run roof.
Paying attention to compatibility and access during the planning stages makes electrical additions much simpler.
Conclusion
Adding electricity and lights to your chicken coop takes careful planning and preparation. But the effort is well worth it for the added functionality and convenience electricity provides.
The keys are:
- Getting the required permits and inspections
- Choosing an appropriate electrical supply source
- Estimating electrical loads and planning circuits
- Running wiring safely and securing it from damage
- Installing weatherproof lighting fixtures that deter chickens
- Having a qualified electrician handle connections
- Scheduling final inspections prior to use