I am constructing a multifunctional cabin-office to serve as my permaculture lair, and am at the point where I am considering electric.
I have adequate power supply for my expected loads in the form of:
✓ Portable battery+inverter power banks & solar panels. 120V & 12V & USB capable.
✓ Gas generator. 120V & 240V capable.
✓ Stand alone small solar for DC lighting systems and phone charging. Biolite Solarhome 620, USB capable.
Where I am wembling is whether to (A) jazz things up, or (B) keep things stupidly simple. Elaboration to follow.
Option (A) Jazz it up.
Hard-wire outlets in the cabin office (120V and perhaps 12V later, too). Nice outlet covers would be flush against home sawn wood paneling, and cables run behind finished walls or run within EMT if exposed. Systematically in my head it looks like...
120V Power bank (or generator with shore power through a bulkhead) -> Transfer Kit -> Main breaker panel -> UF cabling -> Outlets -> Loads.
If I did go jazzy, I expect only four to six circuits, 15A loads or less. I.e:
1) Tool nook w/ battery chargers.
2) Grow nook w/ seed mats, task or overhead lighting, grow lamps.
3) Cooking nook.
4) Window AC || table saw || air compressor.
5-6) Maybe in the future I run some UF outside to an organic pool bubble pump or fountain, or install some neat lighting, or a water heating circulation system, irrigation, etc.
vs.
Option (B) KISS.
Just move the bank(s) or run an extension cord as needed. Maybe later jazz it up. Focus on getting the cabin dry and insulated and clean first.
120V Power bank -> Loads.
Option (A) is nice and prevents rework, but takes time and $. Studwork is currently exposed.
Option (B) is speedy and inexpensive. Time is precious. Worst cast I just pull paneling off to run wiring later.
I could use a nudge either way. Also, I am curious if there is an Option (C) that is somewhere between the two. It seems silly having a Transfer kit and a main breaker without a service entry connection.
I have done what you call KISS, it loses its simplicity when you get bigger than a desk or single room cabin.
There is an option to add wiring later, since you are doing home sawn paneling. You can use a tall baseboard, screwed in, and pull it off later to install boxes and run wire.
"You must be the change you want to see in the world." "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." --Mahatma Gandhi
"Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words." --Francis of Assisi.
"Family farms work when the whole family works the farm." -- Adam Klaus
I would work to Jazzy.
I have been building my house for 45 years or something like that, I am still using power cords on the floor.
Issues;
- I trip on them
- I disconnect computers by mistake
- They drive me mad sometimes and I realise I should have done to properly in the first place.
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