How much does it cost to run electricity to a shed, garage, or shop?
How much does it cost to run electricity to a shed, garage, or shop?
$10 – $25 cost per linear foot installed
$500 – $3,800 average total cost (50' – 150')
$1,200 – $7,100 average total cost (including interior wiring)
Cost to run electricity to a shed, garage, or shop
The cost to run electricity to a shed, garage, or shop is $10 to $25 per linear foot or $500 to $3,800 on average for 50 to 150 feet of underground line. The average cost to run electric to a detached building and wire the interior is $1,200 to $7,100.
| Length of run (linear feet) | Underground cost* | Aboveground cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $500 – $1,250 | $250 – $350 |
| 100 | $1,000 – $2,500 | $500 – $700 |
| 150 | $1,500 – $3,800 | $750 – $2,300 |
| 200 | $2,000 – $5,000 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 300 | $3,000 – $7,500 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| 500 | $5,000 – $12,500 | $4,000 – $7,500 |
*Not including wiring inside the structure itself.
Most cities require buried electrical wiring when running power to a shed or other detached structure.
Cost to wire a garage or shop
Electrical wiring costs $4 to $9 per square foot on average for new construction, depending on the location and number of circuits. Most garages and shops have open floor plans, requiring fewer outlets and switches than a similar-sized structure separated into multiple rooms.
| Square feet | Average wiring cost* (new construction) |
|---|---|
| 250 | $1,000 – $2,300 |
| 500 | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 800 | $3,200 – $7,200 |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $10,800 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $13,500 |
*Not including running new wire underground to the structure.
Rewiring costs $5 to $17 per square foot for an older building with an outdated electrical system. A garage or shop with open walls costs less to rewire than a finished garage requiring extensive demo and repair.
Some electricians charge $100 to $300+ per opening for wiring or rewiring. Each outlet, switch, and fixture is considered one opening.
Cost to wire a garage
The average cost to wire a garage is $1,200 to $5,200, depending on the size, the number and type of circuits, and whether it is attached or detached. Wiring a detached garage typically costs more than an attached garage because it often requires a subpanel.
The cost to install a subpanel is $500 to $1,700, depending on the size, number of circuits, and the amount of wiring involved.
Installing GFCI outlets costs $150 to $350 each for labor and materials. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI protection in garages and at least one outlet per car space.
An electric car charging station costs $750 to $2,600, including a Level 2 charger, 240V outlet, wiring, and wall mounting.
A complete garage remodel costs $5,000 to $50,000+ when converting it to living space.
Cost to wire a shop or metal building
Wiring a shop or metal building costs $1,500 to $7,800+, depending on the size, number of circuits, and whether running electric from the home's main panel or installing new meter service.
Workshops that need climate control and consistent power for heavy-duty tools may require more electricity than the home's panel can support.
Consider upgrading the home's main service amperage instead of adding another meter to power a shop. Some power companies bill a second meter on a residential property at a higher commercial rate.
Cost factors to run power to a detached shed or garage
Factors affecting the cost include:
Distance – The distance from the shed to the house or power source affects the amount and type of wire and conduit required.
Project scope – Hiring an electrician to run electricity to a shed or garage costs less than hiring them to run the wiring and wire the outbuilding's outlets, switches, and fixtures.
Size & purpose – The structure size and intended usage impact the amount of power required and whether the shed or garage needs a subpanel. Structures requiring more than one circuit need a subpanel.
Main panel size – Homes with less than 200-amp service typically require an upgrade to run electricity to a shed or garage.
The cost to replace an electrical panel is $1,400 to $2,800 to upgrade from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel.
Replacing a meter box costs $500 to $2,100. Adding a second electrical meter for the shed or garage costs $1,400 to $4,700 and requires an extra monthly fee.
Trenching – Professional trenching costs $5 to $12 per linear foot, depending on the length, depth, and soil conditions.
Renting a trencher costs $100 to $200+ per day to dig a trench for the electrical wiring DIY.
Concrete resurfacing costs $3 to $7+ per square foot. Some trenching may require breaking through concrete if a deck, patio, or driveway crosses the path.
Labor – Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour, plus a $100 to $200 call-out fee, which typically covers the first hour.
Grounding – Grounding costs $100 to $400 to install a grounding rod at the shed or garage. Grounding—a code requirement if the shed or garage has more than one circuit—protects the structure by dissipating built-up electricity.
Materials – The panel's amperage and distance from the shed or garage determine the wire size needed.
Electrical wiring costs $0.10 to $4.00 per linear foot for the material alone, depending on the type and gauge.
Conduit prices are $0.70 to $8.00 per linear foot before installation.
Power to shed requirements and regulations
Running power to a shed typically requires a permit, depending on the shed dimensions. Many cities also require burying the line from a house to a shed.
Electrical permits cost $50 to $350, depending on the location and project scope.
An electrical inspection costs $100 to $200.
Check your local building regulations and electrical codes before beginning any wiring project.
Frequently asked questions
How much power is required to run electricity to a shed or garage?
Homes with 200-amp electrical service likely have enough power to run electricity to a shed or garage. The power required depends on the electrical load of the appliances, lights, tools, and devices you plan to use. Consult an electrician for a load calculation to determine your exact requirements.
Could I run an extension cord to my shed instead?
You can run an extension cord to your shed temporarily if the cord is outdoor rated and you understand the safety concerns and usage limitations. An extension cord should be unplugged and removed after each use.
Extension cord limitations and concerns:
Extension cords are exposed and create tripping hazards.
Even exterior rated extension cords are not rated for burial.
Extension cords are not designed for extended outdoor exposure.
An extension cord can only power a single circuit.
Daisy-chaining extension cords creates a fire hazard.
Extension cords are susceptible to damage from the elements, risking exposed hot wires.
Consider permanent wiring if you need power to the shed regularly or need multiple circuits.
Getting estimates from electrical wiring contractors
Before hiring an electrician to run power to your shed or garage, remember to:
Get at least 3 in-person, detailed estimates to compare.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured electrician who's been in business at least 5 years.
Avoid going with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the work is done. Work out a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been in business?
What experience do you have running electrical wiring?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Do you handle the permitting and inspection process?
Are permit and inspection fees included in the estimate?
Does the estimate include trenching?
What additional costs might come up during the installation?
Who will perform the actual work?
How long will the job take?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it cover?