Outdoor Power: Decks, Garages, and Sheds
Adding power outside your South Auckland home? Here's what's involved, what it costs, and why weatherproofing done right the first time matters.
Outdoor power is one of the most useful upgrades in a South Auckland home — especially if you spend time in the garage, on the deck, or have a workshop or sleep-out.
Deck power points: A weatherproof double power point on the deck for a BBQ, outdoor speakers, string lights, or a fan. Usually a half-day job. Needs to be IP54 rated at minimum and mounted in a weatherproof enclosure.
Garage sub-board: If you’re doing serious work in the garage — power tools, a welder, a car hoist — a sub-board with its own dedicated circuits is the right solution. Keeps the garage loads off the house circuits and protects your tools with proper circuit protection.
Shed power: Running power to a detached shed or sleep-out requires underground cabling. The cable needs to be at the correct burial depth, in conduit where required, and properly terminated. This is not a DIY job and needs an Electrical Certificate of Compliance.
What it costs:
- Deck power point: $250–$500 depending on cable run
- Garage sub-board: $800–$2,000 depending on size and existing wiring
- Shed power (underground): $800–$2,500 depending on distance
All figures are indicative — get a quote for your specific job.
Why weatherproofing matters: Outdoor electrical work that isn’t properly weatherproofed corrodes, fails, and creates shock hazards. We use appropriate IP-rated fittings, UV-stable cable, and properly sealed enclosures. It costs a little more to do right. It costs a lot more to redo.
Full guide coming soon with more detail on underground cable requirements and sleepout fitouts.