How to Get Electricity In A Detached Garage
That detached garage sitting on your property has potential, doesn’t it? Maybe you’ve been dreaming about turning it into a workshop where you can finally build that dining table you’ve been promising your spouse. Or perhaps it’s destined to become your personal gym, a home office, or just a proper place to park your car without scraping ice off the windshield every winter morning.
But there’s one thing standing between you and that dream space: electricity.
I’ve been with Boulden Brothers for over 15 years now, and if there’s one project homeowners consistently underestimate, it’s running power to detached structures. Let me walk you through what this actually involves and why that extension cord snaking across your lawn isn’t the solution you think it is.
The DIY Question: Can I Do This Myself?
Look, I respect a good DIY spirit. There’s something satisfying about handling home projects yourself. But when someone asks me if they can run electricity to their garage themselves, I always counter with another question: “Have you ever installed a subpanel or calculated wire gauge based on voltage drop over distance?”
If you hesitated before answering, this might not be the project for you.
Running power to a detached building involves:
- Understanding electrical codes that change every few years
- Calculating proper wire sizing based on distance and load
- Digging trenches to the correct depth (which varies by location)
- Properly sealing conduit to prevent water infiltration
- Installing GFCI protection as required by code
- Grounding the new circuit correctly
One mistake won’t just lead to an inconvenience—it could create a fire hazard or shock risk that might not become apparent until months later. I’ve seen too many weekend warrior projects that ended up costing twice as much to fix as they would have to install properly the first time.
Your Power Options: The Basic Setup vs. The Real Deal
Getting electricity to your garage essentially breaks down into two approaches:
Option 1: Direct Circuit from Your Main Panel
This is the simpler option. We tap into your home’s existing electrical panel and run a dedicated circuit out to the garage.
This works well when:
- Your electrical needs are modest (basic lighting and a few outlets)
- Your main panel has available space
- Your garage is relatively close to the house
Think of this as running a really long, permanent extension cord—except it’s buried underground, protected in conduit, and won’t trip people or get damaged by your lawnmower.
Option 2: Installing a Subpanel
If you’ve got bigger plans for your garage, a subpanel is the way to go. This essentially creates a mini electrical panel in your garage that receives power from your main house panel.
It’s ideal when:
- You need multiple circuits (lights, outlets, specialized equipment)
- You’re installing power-hungry tools like air compressors or welders
- You want the flexibility to add more circuits later
- You’re considering heating, cooling, or an EV charger
A subpanel gives you the ability to shut off individual circuits in the garage without running back to the house, and it provides better protection for your various electrical needs.
The Process: How We Get It Done Right
When we tackle a detached garage project, we follow a process that ensures everything works safely for years to come:
1. Figuring Out What You Actually Need
Before we dig a single trench, we talk through your plans. That workshop might need 50 amps to run comfortably, while basic lighting might only require 15-20 amps. The last thing we want is to install something that can’t handle your needs six months down the road.
I remember one customer who insisted he only needed minimal power for his garage. Two months later, he called back because he’d bought a plasma cutter that kept tripping the circuit. Planning ahead saves headaches later.
2. Checking Your Current Electrical Service
Your home’s electrical panel has a finite capacity. Before adding more load, we need to verify it can handle it. In older homes especially, panels are often running close to capacity already. Sometimes we need to upgrade your main panel before adding garage circuits.
3. Planning the Most Efficient Route
The shortest path between two points might be a straight line, but that’s not always the best route for electrical conduit.
We need to consider:
- Underground obstacles like septic tanks or irrigation lines
- Tree roots that might damage conduit over time
- Future landscaping plans
- Areas prone to flooding or standing water
4. Underground Installation (Usually Your Best Option)
Most detached garage projects involve underground wiring.
We:
- Dig a trench (typically 18-24 inches deep, depending on local code)
- Install conduit to protect the wiring
- Use direct burial cable for additional protection
- Ensure proper sealing to keep water out of connections
- Backfill carefully to prevent future settling or damage
5. Setting Up Your Garage’s Electrical System
Once the connection to the house is established, we install whatever your garage needs:
- Weather-resistant outlets at the proper heights
- Switch locations that make sense for your workflow
- Lighting designed for your specific activities
- Special circuits for equipment with unique power requirements
- Any smart home features you might want to include
6. Final Testing and Walk-Through
Before we consider the job done, we test everything thoroughly and then walk you through the entire system. You’ll know exactly what each switch controls, how much load each circuit can handle, and when you might need to reset a breaker.
When to Make the Call
You probably need professional help with your garage electrical project if:
- You’re planning to use power tools, heating/cooling, or refrigeration
- The distance from your house to the garage is more than 50 feet
- You’re not entirely comfortable working with your main electrical panel
- You want assurance that everything is up to code
- You need permits (which are almost always required for this work)
- You value your time and want it done quickly and correctly
Common Questions People Ask
What’s this going to cost me?
I won’t sugarcoat it—properly wiring a detached garage isn’t cheap. Depending on distance, complexity, and your specific needs. But that investment buys you safety, reliability, and a garage that actually meets your needs.
Can I just run an extension cord temporarily?
For occasional use of a single tool? Maybe. For anything more than that? Absolutely not. Extension cords aren’t rated for permanent use, deteriorate when exposed to the elements, and create tripping hazards. They’re also explicitly forbidden by electrical code for permanent installations.
Do I really need permits for this?
Yes, you do. Electrical permits aren’t just bureaucratic red tape—they ensure your installation is inspected by someone whose job is to catch potentially dangerous mistakes. Plus, unpermitted electrical work can cause problems when you sell your home later.
How long will this take?
Most garage electrical projects take 1-3 days, depending on complexity. The trenching typically takes the most time. If the ground is frozen or extremely rocky, that timeline might extend.
Let’s Make It Happen
That dark, powerless garage is limiting what you can do with your property. Whether you need a basic setup with a few lights and outlets or a fully-equipped workshop with 240V power for serious tools, we’ve got you covered.
At Boulden Brothers, we’ll handle everything from permits to the final testing. Our work is clean, code-compliant, and built to last. No shortcuts, no band-aid solutions. You’ve got plans for that garage. We’ve got the skills to power those plans. Let’s talk about making it happen.
