Need a crash course in electricity.

[hamsterjill]

I’m not doing any work myself as I am definitely not qualified. But I need a quick education to understand bids that I’ll be getting on a project.

We are buying a piece of property in a rural area to move to and to build a sanctuary of sorts for the cat rescue that I’ve had for years. Part of this “dream” of mine will require electricity be extended to a “tack shed” which will be converted to a building that will be climate controlled for the cats to have shelter. That will open up into a secure, enclosed predator proof area where they will have free roam. That, in turn will open up into a less secure but still confined area where they will be allowed during daylight hours. The plan is to herd them (yes, I know, but I already have that part down and do it every night at the current location) back into the secure area and building before dark each night.

Now..the electricity issue. There’s a pole about 200 feet from the building and I guess we have to run conduit underground (in pvc pipe) to get the power to the building. But beyond that, what all do I need to think about? I want to make sure that I have enough power and/or enough circuits so that I don’t trip anything and I definitely want to make sure that the power to the shed doesn’t impact the power to the human house in any way.

The shed is currently wired and insulated but isn’t hot. Once power is established, it will be finished out and made where they have places to climb, etc. I’m thinking of having it cooled and heated by a mini split. Electrician has been retained but hasn’t been to the property yet. What all do I need to know before I start dealing with him?

I want enough power out there to be able to plug in some large fans in the outside area, have some exterior lighting for safety, be able to plug in some electric blankets on the inside for severely cold nights and be able to string patio lights all the way out to the area that will be less secure.

Thoughts? Ideas? Information? Do’s and Don’ts? Help me get this right. And please talk to me like I’m a kindergartener because where this subject is concerned, I most definitely am.

Thank you as always for DU help.