Benefits of Electrical & Lighting in Your Shipping Container
What’s life without light?
Dull, dreary, and downright inconvenient—especially when dealing with a shipping container.
Some may be skeptical regarding investing in shipping container lighting and electricity—after all, isn’t a massive steel box enough on its own?
However, the reality is that good lighting and reliable power can transform your container from a cold, dark space into a functional and welcoming environment.
A box so huge and so spacious as these containers should, by default, be well-lit enough to accommodate all the things you need to do—whether it be for temporary or seasonal storage, making it a holding place for your furniture while undergoing a home renovation, or for when you’re trying to spruce it up and transform into an office or commercial space.
With that in mind, let’s explore the key benefits of adding electrical and lighting systems to your shipping container.
10 Benefits of Having Shipping Container Lighting and Electricity
1. Enhanced Visibility
Probably the most crystal-clear benefit of them all—having proper lighting inside your shipping container ensures that you can see everything inside, may it be when you’re organizing, accessing stored items, or working. This is most important during the early mornings, evenings, or when your box is placed in an area with poor natural light.
2. Increased Safety
With more than enough lighting, you get to reduce the risk of accidents since there will be no more dark corners or shadows where some hazards may not be easily visible. Having electrical outlets in the shipping container will also enhance overall safety, as you don’t need to rely on lengthy electrical extensions to power up your equipment. You can easily power security systems or alarms with it as well!
3. Extended Usability
With electricity, you won’t have to limit yourself to working by daylight hours anymore—the shipping container will essentially be usable around the clock. This makes the space more versatile and able to function like a proper room. Whether you’re using it as an office, workshop, or storage area, the ability to power lights, tools, and devices ensures you can work efficiently at any time. This extended usability also makes the container ideal for temporary housing or emergency shelters, where reliable access to electricity is necessary.
4. Climate Control Options
When you add electricity to your shipping container, you also unlock the potential for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This way, you can maintain a comfortable environment inside your container, no matter the weather outside. Gone are the days of sweating through summer or shivering in winter—your container can be just as comfortable as any other indoor space!
5. Increased Property Value
Adding lighting and electricity to your shipping container isn’t just a practical upgrade—it’s a financial one, too. A container that’s ready to go with lighting and electrical outlets is much more attractive to potential buyers or renters, significantly boosting its market value.
This investment pays off, especially if you’re looking to sell or lease the container for commercial or residential purposes. The convenience of a fully-equipped container is something that many are willing to pay a premium for, turning your simple box into a sought-after asset.
6. Power for Tools and Equipment
If you’re planning to use your shipping container as a workshop or storage for power tools, electricity is a must-have. Having readily available outlets allows you to run tools, charge batteries, and operate machinery without needing to set up complex and potentially unsafe temporary power solutions. This setup also makes your work more efficient and your workspace safer, as you don’t have to worry about tangled cords or power surges. With everything plugged in and ready to go, you can focus on getting the job done.
7. Improved Productivity
A well-lit, powered space can make all the difference when it comes to getting things done. With your shipping container equipped with proper lighting and electricity, it’s easier to stay focused and keep your energy up, even when you’re burning the midnight oil. Bright lights reduce the strain on your eyes, and having outlets for your tools means you’re not constantly juggling extension cords or hunting for a charge.
8. Comfortable Living Space
Electricity and lighting are non-negotiable when you’re turning a shipping container into a living space—they are basic necessities! With these upgrades, your container can support all the modern conveniences of a traditional home—appliances, entertainment systems, and more.
Proper lighting also adds warmth and a sense of space, making it feel like a home rather than just a metal box. This comfort level is essential if you’re planning to live in the container for any extended period, ensuring that it’s a place you actually want to spend time in, not just a last resort.
9. Better Organization
It’s easy to lose track of things in a dark, cluttered space, but with proper shipping container lighting, keeping everything organized becomes much simpler. You’ll be able to see exactly what you have and where it’s stored, reducing the time spent searching for items and minimizing frustration. Electrical outlets also allow you to power tools like label makers or other organization gadgets, helping you maintain a tidy and efficient space. With everything in its place, your container becomes a well-organized extension of your home or business.
10. Support for Creative Projects
For artists, makers, and tinkerers, a shipping container can be a blank canvas or a workshop—but only if it’s properly outfitted with electricity and lighting. Power allows you to run everything from simple tools to high-tech equipment, while good lighting ensures you can see the fine details of your work. This turns your container into a creative haven where you can let your imagination run wild, free from the limitations of a dimly lit, powerless space.
Dry Box Electrical & Lighting Packages
Here at Dry Box, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to outfitting your shipping container with electricity and lighting. Here are the packages we offer—individually tailored to meet different needs:
Pig Tail Package
Dry Box offers a budget-friendly option that’s just right for a 20ft container—the Pig Tail Package. This comes with two 4ft ceiling lights, two duplex outlets, a light switch, a junction box, and a 10-inch pig tail that easily plugs into a 110v extension cord. It gives you just the right amount of light and power to keep a laptop and a portable drill charging station running smoothly—a great choice for anyone looking for a simple, no-fuss solution that won’t break the bank.
Build-A-Box Electrical Price List
If you like having control over your container’s electrical setup, we offer a customizable, fixed-price option. You can choose from a range of components, including 4ft fluorescent lights, LED lights, exterior fixtures, outlets, GFI outlets, light switches, and more. Each price covers everything—breakers, wiring, conduit, and labor—so you know exactly what you’re getting with no surprises.
20ft Subpanel Package
This package takes things up a notch from the Pig Tail Package, offering a more robust setup for your 20ft container. It includes a circuit-protected electrical system, giving you one outlet on each wall, a light switch, and a 120v 100-amp power distribution panel with a main breaker and three circuit breakers. If you need more power and outlets for your space, this package delivers. It’s a solid choice for those who need a bit more functionality, with the option to add extra circuit breakers if needed, though there’s an additional charge for those.
40ft Standard Subpanel Package
For those with larger containers, the 40ft Standard Subpanel Package is a well-rounded option. It comes with six electrical outlets, a light switch, four 4ft lights, and a 100-amp distribution panel equipped with a main breaker and up to three circuit breakers. This setup gives you plenty of light and power, ideal for turning a bigger container into a fully functional workspace or a well-organized storage area.
Conclusion
With the right electrical and lighting setup, your shipping container can be transformed from a simple steel box into a versatile, functional space that meets all your needs. From setting up a workspace to creating a cozy living area or organizing your storage, these packages offer the flexibility and power to make it happen.
So, why stick with the basics when you can transform your container into something amazingly functional? Let’s bring it to life with the right shipping container lighting and power—it’s time to make your space work for you!
Transform Your Container with Dry Box
At Dry Box, we don’t just provide shipping containers; we offer the tools to turn them into something extraordinary. From fully customizable electrical packages to high-quality lighting solutions, we’re here to help you create a space that fits your unique needs across the Pacific Northwest.
We offer a wide range of container sizes for purchase or rental in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana and Idaho, all built to endure the toughest conditions and keep your projects on track.
Ready to elevate your next project? Contact Dry Box today to explore our selection of shipping containers and electrical packages. With Dry Box, you’re not just getting a container—you’re getting the foundation for your next big idea.
