POST & BEAM BARNS

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Meeting & Exceeding Customer Expectations

Planning and permits

• Obtain permits: Before starting, we obtain an electrical permit from the relevant authority in your county or city. 
• Create a detailed plan: We work with you to plan your entire system in advance, including the service entrance (overhead or underground), load calculations, and the location of all fixtures, outlets, and switches.
• Consider future needs: We emphasize to plan for more circuits and power than you initially need. Consider what you might add later, such as heavy machinery, a workshop, or heating. 

Wiring methods

• Surface-mounted conduit: This is the most common approach for barns and outbuildings. It involves running electrical metallic tubing (EMT) or PVC conduit along the surface of the posts and beams to protect the wiring from physical damage.
  • Pros: Very safe, easy to inspect and modify, and can create a neat, organized look.
  • Cons: The conduit is visible and may not be the desired aesthetic.
• Concealed channels: A more aesthetically pleasing method involves cutting channels, or “wire chases,” directly into the timbers.
  • We cut a channel(s) as needed into the timber.
  • After the wires are installed, a “fillet strip” of the same wood is glued or fastened over the channel, hiding the wires completely.
  • This is typically planned and executed during the construction phase.
• Hybrid wiring: Combining different methods can be the most cost-effective solution.
  • Use exposed conduit for the main runs and utility outlets in work areas.
  • Conceal wiring for fixtures or special areas where you want a cleaner look.
• Underground/floor wiring: For outlets, wires can be run below the floor and brought up through the center of posts.
  • For barns with a concrete slab, all underground wiring should be laid in conduit before the concrete is poured. 

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Paul Brown Electric is a fully licensed & insured contractor. We are in excellent standing with our customers. Our employees are skilled, hard-working, friendly professionals. They love what they do, and they strive for ever-increasing customer satisfaction.

“Experience Our Quality Difference”

Contact us at 978-703-8870 to get started!