Imagine walking around in your shipping container, knowing exactly where all the wall outlets are to help you fire up the kettle, reheat your food in the microwave or just sit down and relax.

Installing electricity in a shipping container can be fairly straightforward if you know where to start.

How to Install Electrics in Your Shipping Container Unit

Running power to a shipping container is not a very complicated process. If you're looking to turn yours into an office or workspace, here’s what you need to do:

Power Requirements

The first thing to determine is the type of electricity you require. For example, how many devices and appliances will you need to run at any given time? In the UK, shipping containers typically use 240v outlets, and you need to know the power requirements of your devices and the supply load coming from the grid.

For offices and workplaces, calculate the total wattage of your computers, lighting, and any additional equipment to ensure that the system can handle the load. For larger operations, such as shipping containers converted into workshops, a higher load may be needed to power machinery.

Wiring and Power Receptacle

Installing electricity in a shipping container will require some drilling and wall cutting. While you may be able to do this yourself, it’s best to hire a professional who will use a conduit to protect your wiring from the various elements and ensure compliance with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671).

Additionally, you can get a consultation from our conversions team to run the required wiring within the container and to the electrical panel installed outside it.

GFCI Installation Work

Finally, install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) along with any lighting you may need for safety. GFCIs are vital for preventing electrical shock, particularly in environments exposed to moisture or weather elements, such as a shipping container.

And, that’s it! You can now run electricity throughout your shipping container.

Before You Begin the Electrical Work

Before wiring a shipping container, you must have a clear picture of where all the light switches, light fixtures, wall outlets, and breaker boxes will be. Your container may have multiple rooms, so each room will have unique uses and requirements.

For example, an entertainment space may require more wall outlets than one room, especially if you want to run many different kinds of electronics simultaneously.

Shower blocks or bathrooms will need to have the outlets situated close to the vanity to run electric grooming appliances or tools, such as hair dryers and electric toothbrushes.

You must determine the type of conduit to be used in your container unit. A PVC schedule 40 conduit might be a good choice; EMT (Electric Metallic Tube) is also frequently used for shipping container electrical wiring as well. Both options help protect the wiring against crushing, impacts, and magnetic fields, as well as corrosion.

It’s also crucial to ground your shipping container unit properly to protect yourself, as well as your electronics and appliances, from the risk of electric shock. However, do get your ground rod checked by our container conversions team to ensure that it is below 25 ohms to the ground, as this provides sufficient lightning protection for your container’s electrical system.

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Do containers need to be earthed?

Yes, it is essential to earth your shipping container to prevent electric shock and protect your devices. Earthing ensures that if there is a fault in the electrical system, excess electricity is safely discharged into the ground rather than causing damage. In the UK, the standard resistance for grounding should be below 25 ohms, but this may vary based on location. Always have your grounding system checked by a professional electrician to ensure compliance with safety standards.

2. How much power will my shipping container need?

The power requirements for your shipping container will depend on how it is being used. If it's an office, for example, you'll need enough power to run computers, lighting, heating, and possibly kitchen appliances. For industrial purposes, power needs might be higher to support machinery.

To get an accurate estimate, you should calculate the total wattage of the devices and appliances you plan to run and ensure that your electrical system can support that load.

3. What type of wiring should I use for a shipping container?

For shipping containers, especially in outdoor or industrial settings, it’s crucial to use wiring that can withstand exposure to the elements. PVC-insulated cables are commonly used as they offer protection against moisture and weather conditions. Conduits such as EMT (Electric Metallic Tube) or Schedule 40 PVC are ideal for protecting wiring inside the container. Always follow UK electrical regulations, and consult with a qualified electrician to choose the best materials for your installation.

4. Can I install solar panels on my shipping container?

Yes, installing solar panels on a shipping container is a viable option, especially for off-grid setups. Solar panels can provide a sustainable power source and help reduce dependency on mains electricity. However, you will need an inverter to convert the solar power into usable electricity, and batteries to store power for times when sunlight is limited. It's also important to ensure that the panels are properly secured to the container and wired safely by a certified professional.

5. Do I need planning permission to install electrics in my container?

In the UK, planning permission is typically not required for installing electrics within a shipping container. However, if the container is part of a larger building project or is being used for a commercial purpose, it may fall under certain regulations. It’s always a good idea to check with your local planning authority to ensure that no permissions or building regulations are being overlooked.

6. What safety measures should be taken when installing electrics in a shipping container?

Several key safety measures must be observed, including installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electric shock, ensuring proper earthing, and using conduit to protect the wiring. Additionally, the container should be adequately ventilated, and all electrical work should comply with BS 7671, the UK’s wiring regulations. Hiring a qualified electrician is strongly recommended to ensure everything is installed safely.

7. Can a shipping container be connected to the mains electricity?

Yes, a shipping container can be connected to mains electricity, but the installation must be done safely and in line with UK electrical codes. You will need an appropriate connection to the local power grid, a properly rated breaker box, and possibly an electrician to certify the installation. If your container will be moved frequently, consider temporary electrical setups or alternative power sources like generators or solar power.

Closing Thoughts

Depending on the level of wiring required in your container to power everything up properly, you may need professional guidance. Our residential and workplace containers are designed on a bespoke basis to meet all your electrical demands. Call our friendly conversions team now to learn more on 0800 023 5060 or reach out via our contacts page.