Shed Disconnect

8 years ago

I’m running a 20-amp circuit to my storage shed, 10-2 direct
bury UF-B cable and a 20 amp gfci breaker at the main panel, pretty straight
forward. When the circuit enters into the shed I need to have a disconnect and
I have read that a switch is all that I need. I plan on using a heavy duty 20-amp
switch but this will only disconnect the hot side of the circuit leaving the neutral
and ground connected. Will I need a switch or disconnect that will allow me to
disconnect the hot/neutral/ground or is only disconnecting the hot side sufficient?

I also plan on having an outlet on the outside of the shed,
since the circuit is already gfci protected will this outlet need to be a gfci
outlet? I’m pretty sure the answer is no but just want to make sure.

Thanks

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Comments (5)

Ron Natalie
8 years ago
It is permissible in this case to have a switch that only opens the ungrounded (hot) conductor.

Actually, all the 120V 15 or 20A receptacles in your shed (inside or out) need to be GFCI protected. However, since you already have a GFCI in the house, that will suffice (provided your panel with the GFCI breaker is readily accessible).
Jake The Wonderdog
8 years ago
Ron is correct.. however from a workability standpoint, consider not having a GFCI in the main panel and having one in the shed. If it trips, as they sometimes do, you will have to go back into the main panel to reset it.
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DavidR
8 years ago
If you protect the UF with a 20a single-pole (120v) breaker and a GFI in the house, you can bury your UF only 12" deep. Without the GFI at the origin, it has to be 24" down.

That said, I think 12" is too shallow anyway. But that's just me.
rwiegand
8 years ago
If you wanted to disconnect both wires (not sure why this would be necessary or desirable) I believe you could just use a double pole switch instead of the typical single pole. I'm sure the real electricians will correct me!
Ron Natalie
8 years ago
He could, but there is no requirement to do so. They do sell them readily at the home center and will fit into a standard box.