Your tiny house electrical system powers everything from lights and outlets to heating, cooling, and appliances. Getting it right means safe, reliable power wherever you park or place your home. Getting it wrong can cause fires, shock hazards, or constant tripped breakers.
Tiny House Electrical Basics (Wiring, Outlets & Safety)
A safe electrical system is essential for any tiny house. This guide covers wiring basics, breaker panels, outlet placement, GFCI requirements, and shore power hookups.
TLDR: Tiny House Electrical
30 amp service works for small builds without heavy appliances
50 amp service needed for air conditioning and electric cooking
GFCI outlets required near water in kitchens and bathrooms
Plan outlet locations during design, not after walls are up
Shore power hookups let you plug into grid power at RV parks
Proper grounding is essential for safety on wheels or land
Safety First
Get It Inspected
Even DIY wiring should be checked by a licensed electrician.
Electrical codes vary by location. Always check local requirements before starting.
Electrical Systems in Tiny Houses
Tiny house electrical systems differ from standard homes in a few important ways. Space is limited so panel and wiring placement matters more. Many tiny houses need portable power options for travel or off grid living. And the electrical demands are often different since you probably will not run a clothes dryer and central air at the same time.
This guide covers the basics of tiny house electrical systems. You will learn about service size, wiring basics, outlet planning, and safety requirements. Whether you are planning a DIY build or working with a builder, understanding these fundamentals helps you make better decisions.
Choosing Your Service Size
Service size determines how much power your tiny house can use at one time. The two common options are 30 amp and 50 amp service. Your choice affects what appliances you can run and where you can plug in.
| Feature | 30 Amp Service | 50 Amp Service |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wattage | 3,600 watts | 12,000 watts |
| Plug Type | TT-30 (3 prong) | 14-50 (4 prong) |
| Wire Size Needed | 10 gauge | 6 gauge |
| RV Park Compatible | Most parks | Many parks |
| Air Conditioning | Small unit only | Full size OK |
| Electric Cooking | Limited | Full range OK |
Choose 30 Amp If...
Simpler, more portable
Your tiny house is under 300 sq ft
You use propane for cooking and heat
No air conditioning or small window unit
You want maximum RV park compatibility
Budget is a primary concern
Best For: Small builds, minimal electric needs
Choose 50 Amp If...
More power, more options
You want electric cooking
Air conditioning is essential
Multiple high draw appliances
Planning solar with battery backup
Larger tiny house over 300 sq ft
Best For: Full time living, all electric setup
Dual Service Option
Some tiny house owners install both 30 and 50 amp inlets. This lets you plug into whatever service is available. An electrician can wire your panel to accept either input safely. This flexibility is helpful if you move between different locations.
Breaker Panel and Circuits
The breaker panel is the heart of your electrical system. It receives power from your inlet and distributes it to individual circuits throughout your tiny house. Each circuit has a breaker that trips if the circuit is overloaded, preventing wire overheating and fires.
Panel Size
6-12 spaces
Typical tiny house
Main Breaker
30 or 50 amp
Match service
Kitchen Circuits
2 dedicated
20 amp each
General Circuits
15-20 amp
Lights and outlets
Typical Circuit Layout
- 1.Kitchen Outlet Circuit 1: 20 amp circuit for refrigerator and microwave. These appliances draw significant power and should not share a circuit with other devices.
- 2.Kitchen Outlet Circuit 2: 20 amp circuit for toaster, coffee maker, and other countertop appliances. Separate from Circuit 1 so you can run multiple items.
- 3.General Outlet Circuit: 15 or 20 amp circuit for living area outlets. Powers electronics, chargers, and small devices throughout main living space.
- 4.Lighting Circuit: 15 amp circuit for all lights. LED lights draw so little power that one circuit usually handles the entire house.
- 5.Bathroom Circuit: 20 amp GFCI protected circuit for bathroom outlets. May include bathroom heater or vent fan.
- 6.HVAC Circuit: Dedicated circuit sized for your heating and cooling unit. Mini splits typically need 20 to 30 amps depending on size.
Wire Sizing Matters
Wire gauge must match circuit amperage. Using wire that is too small causes overheating and fire risk. Use 14 gauge for 15 amp circuits, 12 gauge for 20 amp circuits, and 10 gauge for 30 amp circuits. When in doubt, go one size larger. Our electrical calculator helps with planning.
Planning Outlet Locations
Good outlet placement makes daily life easier. Poor placement means extension cords everywhere and frustration. Plan your outlets during the design phase while you can still adjust wall framing and think through how you will actually use each space.
- •Kitchen: At least 4 outlets along counter, one for refrigerator, one for range hood
- •Living area: One outlet every 6 feet of wall space minimum
- •Sleeping area or loft: 2 outlets near bed for charging and lighting
- •Bathroom: 1 to 2 GFCI outlets near sink
- •Entry area: 1 outlet for charging or small appliances
- •Exterior: 1 to 2 weatherproof outlets for outdoor use
- •Consider USB outlets in areas where you charge devices frequently
GFCI Requirements
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are required in areas where water is present. They detect when current is flowing through an unintended path, like through a person, and shut off power in milliseconds. This prevents electrocution.
GFCI Required Locations
- •Bathrooms: All outlets must be GFCI protected
- •Kitchen: Any outlet within 6 feet of a sink
- •Outdoors: All exterior outlets require GFCI
- •Near water heater: If outlet is in same area
- •Garage or utility area: If your tiny house has one
Shore Power Hookups
Shore power is the electrical connection that lets you plug your tiny house into grid power. The term comes from boats plugging into dock power. For tiny houses on wheels, shore power at an RV park or host property is often the primary power source.
- 1.Power Inlet: A weatherproof box on your exterior wall where the shore power cord connects. Available in 30 or 50 amp configurations. Usually mounted low on the wall near where you expect to park.
- 2.Shore Power Cord: Heavy duty cable that runs from the park pedestal to your inlet. Typically 25 to 50 feet long. Store it in a dry place when not in use to prevent corrosion.
- 3.Adapters: If you have 50 amp service but the park only offers 30 amp, you need an adapter. This limits you to 30 amps but lets you connect. The reverse adapter exists too.
- 4.Surge Protector: Plugs between your cord and the park pedestal. Protects your electronics from voltage spikes and alerts you to wiring problems. Strongly recommended for any shore power use.
Shore Power Setup Costs
Power Inlet (30 or 50 amp)$40-$100
Shore Power Cord (30 ft)$100-$200
Adapter Set$30-$80
Surge Protector$100-$300
Total Setup$270-$680
Pro TipBuy quality surge protector, cheap ones fail
Grounding Your Tiny House
Proper grounding protects you from electrical shock and helps circuit breakers work correctly. How you ground depends on whether your tiny house is on wheels or on a permanent foundation.
Grounding on Wheels
- Ground through shore power cord
- Trailer frame connects to panel ground
- All metal surfaces bonded together
- Never cut the ground prong on plugs
- Use surge protector with ground fault indicator
Grounding on Foundation
- Ground rod driven 8 feet into earth
- Ground wire from rod to panel
- Cold water pipe bonding if metal
- Follow local electrical code
- May need multiple ground rods
Safety Warning
A tiny house on wheels relies entirely on the shore power ground. If that ground is faulty at the RV park, your entire house could become energized. This is why surge protectors with ground fault indicators are essential. They warn you before you touch anything metal.
Preparing for Off Grid Power
Even if you plan to use shore power most of the time, designing your electrical system to accommodate solar and batteries later gives you flexibility. A few choices during initial wiring make future upgrades much easier.
- •Leave space near your panel for an inverter or charge controller
- •Run conduit to the roof for future solar panel wiring
- •Install a battery disconnect switch location even if not used now
- •Consider DC circuits for lights that can run directly from batteries
- •Use LED lights throughout to reduce power consumption
- •Choose efficient appliances with low standby power draw
Plan Your Solar System
If off grid living is in your future, start planning now. Understanding your power needs helps size both your electrical panel and future solar system.
Electrical System Costs
Electrical costs vary based on service size, complexity, and whether you hire an electrician or do the work yourself. Here is a breakdown of typical costs for a complete tiny house electrical system.
Complete Electrical System
Breaker Panel (6-12 space)$100-$200
Wire (various gauges)$200-$400
Outlets and Switches$100-$200
Light Fixtures (LED)$150-$400
Shore Power Setup$270-$680
Electrician Inspection$100-$300
Total DIY$920-$2,180
Professional Install$2,500-$5,000 typical
Worth the Inspection
Even if you wire your tiny house yourself, paying for a licensed electrician to inspect your work is money well spent. They catch mistakes that could cause fires or shock hazards. Some insurance companies require professional inspection before they will cover your tiny house.