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How to get electricity outside in a rental?

Hi All,

I am wanting to begin DWC hydroponics outside but don't have access to an outdoor outlet.

We have sliding doors in our rental with our fly screen and our glass door. We have no windows. I was thinking something along the lines of installing (with permission from landlord) one of these:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/hartman-385-x-270mm-large-pet-door-for-patio-and-sliding-doors_p3961412

And then running a cord from indoors out there. But no guarantee the landlord will be okay with that.

But if anyone has any other ideas please let me know!

Cheers!

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Comments

Jason

I would be contacting your landlord and asking for an outdoor power outlet to be installed @itsangus. It would be an asset to the property and much less obtrusive than a pet door. I imagine a power cord coming from inside to outside would be a significant trip hazard.

Jason

EricL

Hello @itsangus

Starting DWC ( deep water culture ) hydroponics is a fantastic project. One of the key elements in DWC is the continuous supply of oxygen being pumped into the water. This means that you'll need a reliable source of electricity for your pump. If you are serious about setting up your DWC garden, I suggest engaging the services of a registered electrician and having them prepare a quote for the installation of an outdoor power point. Once you have the quote all you need to do is to ask permission from the landlord.

Running a cord from inside your house to your DWC setup is full of hazards. Looking at it from a safety point of view, it will be better if it is done properly and professionally.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

itsangus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24470#Comment_24470

Thank you, Jason! I've popped in a couple of quote requests with my local sparkies! Wish me luck!

itsangus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24475#Comment_24475

Thank you, Eric! I didn't consider the hazards and am already quite accident prone so thank you for bringing the safety side into the forefront. I've popped in quote requests with my local sparkies. I hope the landlord says yes!

CSParnell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74898#Comment_74898

@itsangus if there is a power point on the inside wall that a licensed electrician can go back to back with this will end up being a fairly quick job.

Carl

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74899#Comment_74899

Keep us updated, @itsangus and please reach out again if you need further assistance.

Mitchell

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101106#Comment_101106

Hi @itsangus

I like @CSParnell way of thinking adding an external power point back to back is a simple job which will keep Electrician costs down.

What about a power point in the roof cavity and have the outdoor extention cord come in under metal or tile. Not my first plan.

But owners can be quite strict about their properties.

So @itsangus a simple soloution as a plan B can you open a window and get a power cord out? It dose not matter if a power cord jammed into a tight crack of an window opening as needed most of the make up of it is double insulation and is flexable But not near sharp metal edges. The internal wires of copper are fine and flexable they have to be but they can be squashed but not repeatedly Ie if you can sqweeze and extention cord out the window and possible run it up the wall high and across to your project and a high post so you can mow under it and not strangle some body.

Further more I site powercords are tough ( not the cheapies but cheapies are thinner too.) you can have a power cord out the door and have 50 children a day opening and closing that aluminium door on to a cable and it will survive for years so one little window squeeze is nothing if it is left there a a semi permanent setting.

Running power cords out of the door not the best solution as a it could be slip and trip hazzard and cables can roll unexpextantly if you step on them.

Once outside consider adding an outdoor power box /saftey box

Bunning Excalibur 6 Outlet Outdoor Safety Box I/N: 4360215 $47.59

CSParnell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117467#Comment_117467

I don't think a owner would be opposed to an outdoor outlet being installed especially if it's back to back, even if you sweeten it with you pay for materials and they pay for labour or 50/50.

At the end of the day you will end up spending about "x" trying to make something work that just won't do the job you need it to.

Thats my advice from a qualified electrician 😉

itsangus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101106#Comment_101106

hi there, that sounds brilliant. Thanks so much! There actually are two outlets that we could do back to back. In your experience as a sparkie, would you be able to give a ballpark figure re: cost?

itsangus

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117467#Comment_117467

Hiya, definitely going with the back to back quote option. Would have been great to feed it outside a window but alas we have none. But thank you. I did not consider the outdoor electric box so appreciate it!

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126948#Comment_126948

Hi @itsangus

@CSParnell had the best , simplest and cheapest idea that makes it work all round 🙂

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