Wiktor Wise
Running electricity to a garage requires a lot of work and know-how. It is a job best left to a professional electrician, who can determine your electrical needs and select an electrical panel based on several factors, such as the size of the space, the number and type of electrical devices, lighting, and HVAC systems. The electrician will then determine the size and type of wiring and conduit needed to connect the electrical panel to the various circuits and outlets in the garage. Before beginning the project, it is important to call and ensure that no buried gas lines or electric cables are already present beneath your yard, as this could result in serious injury or utility service disruptions. Depending on local building codes, you may need to install a subpanel in the garage, and in any case, a disconnecting means is required to disconnect the garage from its power source in an emergency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electrical wiring | Requires expertise of a professional electrician |
| Electrical panel | Based on factors such as size of space, number and type of electrical devices, lighting, and HVAC systems |
| Wiring and conduit | Based on load calculation and equipment requirements |
| Budget | Average cost of powering an outdoor living space is between $1,000 and $2,500 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | Requires a "disconnecting means" for every building on a property |
| Trench | Required to be 24" deep from service to junction box in garage |
| UF-B cable | Waterproof cable that transports electricity to garage |
| Conduit pipes | Can be heated and bent to fit contours of home |
| Multi-wire branch circuit | Requires a double pole breaker |
| Single branch circuit | Requires a GFCI breaker and minimum cover of 12" |
| Multi-wire circuit | Requires a "pullout" disconnect |
| Single wire | Possible if deemed a storage building rather than a garage |
| Subpanel | Required if installing electrical panel in garage |
| Grounding rods | Required if taking feeder and subpanel route |
| Disconnecting means | Must be legibly marked to indicate its purpose |
| Local electrician | Cost of installing a new breaker box ranges from $200 to $2,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Hiring an electrician
Get Multiple Estimates:
Before hiring an electrician, it's essential to obtain at least three detailed, in-person estimates from different electricians or electrical companies. This allows you to compare pricing, services offered, and their approach to the job. Websites like HomeGuide and Google can be great resources for checking reviews and learning about the experiences others have had with specific electricians.
Check Licensing, Insurance, and Experience:
Always opt for a licensed, bonded, and insured electrician. Additionally, look for a contractor who has been in business for at least five years. This ensures that they have the necessary experience and expertise to handle the complexities of wiring a garage safely and effectively.
Discuss Budget and Scope:
The cost of hiring an electrician will depend on various factors, including the size and scope of the job, the electrician's expertise, and the number of circuits or outlets required. Discuss your budget constraints with the electrician, and ask them to suggest breaker boxes or solutions that meet your needs without compromising safety.
Understand the Process:
The electrician should be able to explain the process and provide insights into the size and type of wiring and conduit needed to connect the electrical panel to the circuits and outlets in the garage. They should also be able to advise on any permits or inspections that may be required to ensure the work complies with local codes and regulations.
Get a Detailed Contract and Warranty:
Before any work begins, make sure you have a detailed contract in writing that outlines the scope of work, timelines, and associated costs. Additionally, ensure that the electrician provides a warranty for their work, protecting you in case of any issues that may arise after the project is completed.
Payment Arrangements:
It is generally recommended that you never pay in full before the work is completed. Instead, work out a payment plan or schedule with the electrician, paying in instalments as the project progresses.
Excavation and Trenching:
Electricians typically don't perform the excavating work themselves. You may need to hire an excavation company or perform the digging yourself to save on labour costs. Discuss this with your electrician, as they can guide you on the required depth and any potential hazards to watch out for.
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Disconnecting means
If your garage is deemed a storage building, you can run a single branch circuit to the building. However, as per the National Electrical Code (NEC), every building on a property must have a "disconnecting means" to disconnect the building from its power supply. This applies to all supply sources, including utility-owned conductors, customer-owned feeder conductors, and customer-owned branch circuits.
There are several approved disconnecting means, including a main breaker in a subpanel or a disconnect switch similar to those used on outdoor HVAC equipment. Even a standard wall switch would be sufficient as long as it is rated for the appropriate load. For example, a light switch could function as a disconnecting means as long as it is rated for the circuit.
The disconnecting means can be installed inside or outside the building, but it must be easily accessible and near the point where the conductors enter the building so that the electrical supply can be quickly shut off in an emergency. The NEC also requires every disconnecting means to be clearly and durably marked to indicate its purpose, unless its location and arrangement make its purpose evident.
If you are installing a multi-wire branch circuit, you can use a pullout disconnect, which is one of the cheapest options.
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Wiring and conduit
For wiring, it is common to use THWN wires, which are suitable for wet locations. The wire gauge will depend on the expected electrical load, with 12 AWG wires being suitable for most garage applications. The wires will be pulled through a conduit, which provides protection and facilitates the wire connections. The conduit can be made of PVC or metal and should be sized appropriately for the wires.
In some cases, a UF-B cable can be used instead of separate wires and a conduit. This cable is waterproof and can be directly buried in a trench. However, the trench depth requirements must be followed, typically ranging from 12 to 24 inches, depending on local codes and cable types. If using a UF-B cable, ensure it is connected to a grounding rod for safety.
When running wiring through the conduit, it is essential to follow local building codes and safety standards. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for minimum cover depths and the use of disconnecting means. A disconnect is required at a detached structure and can be achieved through a snap switch, pullout disconnect, or a breaker in a subpanel.
It is worth noting that electrical work in a garage can be complex, and hiring a professional electrician is often recommended. They can advise on wiring and conduit selections, ensure compliance with local codes, and provide efficient and safe installations. The cost of hiring an electrician can vary, but it is essential to consider your budget and the potential for future electrical needs, such as EV charging stations.
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Budget and costs
The cost of running electricity to a garage will depend on a number of factors, including the type of wiring and conduit needed, the size and type of garage, the number and type of electrical devices, lighting, and HVAC systems, as well as local building codes and safety standards.
It is important to hire a licensed electrician who can determine the electrical needs and select the appropriate electrical panel and wiring. The cost of hiring an electrician to install a new breaker box can range from $200 to $2,000. The electrician will also need to assess the specific electrical requirements, including the size of the space and the type of electrical devices that will be used.
If you are planning to install an electrical panel in the garage, you will need to install a 20-ampere breaker in the panel in the house. This will involve pulling three 12 AWG THWN wires through the conduit and connecting them to the THWN conductors in the junction box. The cost of the THWN wires and conduit will depend on the length and size required.
It is important to note that a disconnect is required at a detached structure, such as a garage. A simple snap switch or a "pullout" disconnect can be used and will cost around $100. Additionally, you may need to install a grounding rod, which will incur additional costs.
The cost of powering an outdoor living space typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 on average. This includes the cost of burying a UF-B cable, which is a waterproof cable that transports electricity to the garage. If your garage is detached, you may also need to install a pipe that runs from the insertion point of your home into the ground to protect the UF-B cable. Conduit pipes are a popular option and can be heated and bent to fit along the contours of your home.
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Trench and cable
The next step is to plan the route of the trench. It is important to limit bends to 360 degrees and to mark the route with chalk or paint. Once the route is planned, the trench can be dug using a mattock or a rented trenching machine. After the trench has been dug, the next step is to lay the electrical cable. This should be done carefully, ensuring that the cable is secure and does not move around within the trench.
There are several types of electrical cable that can be used, each with its own depth requirements. Underground Feeder (UF) cable, for example, can be installed at a depth of 12 inches if it is GFCI-protected, or 18 inches if it is not. If using galvanized rigid metal electrical conduit with individual insulated wires, the depth requirement is 6 inches. PVC conduit with individual insulated wires requires a depth of 18 inches. Finally, Type UF cable can be installed without conduit or GFCI protection at a depth of 24 inches.
After the cable has been laid, the trench is backfilled, starting with a protective layer of sand and then caution tape to warn of the cable's presence. The final steps involve connecting the wiring and sealing any gaps around entry points to prevent moisture damage. A licensed electrician should be consulted for the final hookups to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of the wiring.
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