Powering a garage or workshop properly
Many garages were built with a single circuit shared by the door opener, a light and a couple of outlets. Add a freezer, a compressor and power tools and breakers start tripping. Dedicated circuits and a subpanel give you room to grow.
Garage outlets generally need GFCI protection. Detached garages require a properly sized feeder, grounding at the building and correct neutral-ground separation in the subpanel.
What the work typically involves
Plan the use
List tools, appliances, lighting and future EV needs.
Check capacity
Confirm the main panel can supply the garage or a subpanel.
Install circuits
Run circuits or feeders, install outlets, lighting and panels.
Test and inspect
Test GFCI protection and pass required inspections.
Common reasons homeowners call
- Workshop and hobby spaces
- Garage freezers and refrigerators
- Detached garage without power
- EV charging
- Poor lighting
Signs your garage is under-powered
- Breakers trip when tools start
- Extension cords running across the floor
- Outlets without GFCI protection
- Single dim bulb
- Power run to a detached building with an extension cord
Safety considerations
No permanent extension cords. Temporary cords to detached buildings and shops are a common hazard. Garages also store fuel and chemicals — keep panels, outlets and cords in good condition.
What an electrician will check
- Panel capacity and feeder size
- GFCI requirements
- Grounding at detached buildings
- Lighting levels
- 240V outlet configurations
Related electrical problems
Related residential services
EV Charger Installation
Level 2 home EV charger installation, including load calculations, dedicated circuits and panel capacity checks.
Electrical Outlet Installation
Adding outlets where you need them — including USB, 240-volt, outdoor, countertop and dedicated appliance outlets.
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Increasing your home's electrical capacity — typically 100A to 200A — for EV chargers, heat pumps, additions and modern loads.
Security Lighting
Motion-activated floodlights and dusk-to-dawn lighting to light entries, driveways and the sides of your home.
Frequently asked questions
Electrical code generally requires GFCI protection for garage receptacles.
Yes, if your main service has capacity. A subpanel simplifies adding circuits for tools and lighting.
A properly sized feeder, usually underground, is run from the house to a subpanel in the garage, with grounding at the building.