Adding electricity to a detached garage or shed turns it from simple storage into a fully usable part of your home. Whether you want to run a heater, charge tools, or install better lighting, the right wiring makes your garage safer, more comfortable, and more useful year-round.
From heating and outlets to lighting and EV charging, here’s what proper electrical wiring can do for your detached garage or shed.
Garage Heaters: Stay Warm All Winter
Most garage heaters need dedicated circuits. Electric heaters typically run on 30-amp, 240-volt circuits, while gas heaters need a 20-amp outlet and disconnect switch. Plugging into a regular outlet can overload your system and create a safety hazard.
Licensed electricians ensure wiring is safe, efficient, and code-compliant.
Extra Outlets Where You Need Them
Once your garage or shed has proper power for heating, the next step is adding outlets where you’ll actually use them.
Avoid dangerous extension cords. Permanent wiring is safer and more reliable for year-round use.
Add outlets for power tools, appliances, or hobby equipment. We recommend 20-amp standard outlets (rather than 15-amp) to handle most garage equipment and future upgrades.
Install outlets along walls, workbenches, ceilings, and floors for maximum convenience and functionality.
Better Lighting for Work and Safety
With power and outlets in place, proper lighting transforms how you use your garage or shed.
Overhead lighting makes garages brighter and more functional. Outdoor fixtures improve safety and visibility at night.
Motion-sensor and occupancy-sensor lights are highly recommended, paired with night-light outlets for added convenience and energy efficiency.
EV Charger Ready
If you’re planning for the future, your garage electrical project is the perfect time to add EV charging capability.
Detached garages are a natural place for Level 2 EV chargers. Dedicated 240V circuits prevent overload and keep charging efficient. We offer flexible charging speeds—from 30 to 60 amps—depending on your needs.
Future-proofs your property as EV ownership grows.
Safe, Code-Compliant Installation
No matter what you’re adding to your garage or shed, all electrical work must meet strict safety standards.
All wiring must meet NEC, OSHA, and Illinois local code requirements. Proper trenching and conduit protect underground wiring: Rigid steel conduit requires 6-inch burial depth; PVC conduit requires 18 inches.
Hi-Lite handles all permits and inspections. We determine permit requirements and coordinate directly with your city or municipality to ensure everything is approved and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costs depend on your specific project—trenching distance, what you want powered, and the scope of work. We’ll provide a detailed estimate after assessing your garage and understanding your needs.
Looking for budget-friendly options? Hi-Lite makes it easy:
- Advantage Club Membership: Get discounts on all services, from panel upgrades to lighting enhancements
- Financing Available: Spread payments over time with our financing options
Yes. Any new wiring to an outbuilding requires a permit and inspection. Hi-Lite coordinates all permits and inspections directly with your city or municipality to ensure full compliance.
No. Most garage heaters draw too much power for standard outlets. They need a dedicated circuit to operate safely.
Most electric heaters require a 240-volt dedicated circuit. The exact amperage depends on your heater model—our technicians will confirm the right size for your equipment. If your current electrical panel doesn’t have enough capacity, a service upgrade may be necessary to safely handle the additional load.
In Illinois, wiring must be buried in conduit with specific depth requirements: 6 inches for rigid steel conduit and 18 inches for PVC conduit. Hi-Lite ensures all underground work meets local code standards.
Yes. A properly wired garage can support outlets, overhead lighting, motion-sensor lights, and outdoor fixtures on the same project.
- 120V handles outlets, lights, and small tools.
- 240V is needed for heaters, EV chargers, and large equipment.
Yes. A dedicated 240V line is required. Level 2 home chargers are the most common installation, with voltage adjustable from 30 to 60 amps depending on your charging speed preference.
No. Extension cords are not designed for long-term outdoor use and can overheat, posing a serious fire risk.
Hi-Lite’s installation typically takes 1 to 2 days. The most time-consuming part is the permit process, which varies by city. We handle all coordination to keep your project moving smoothly.
Extra outlets, dedicated tool circuits, bright task lighting (including motion sensors), and heating are common upgrades for active workshop spaces.
Yes. All work is completed to NEC, OSHA, and Illinois local code standards. We coordinate all permits and inspections directly with your city or municipality.
Ready to Get Started?
Trust Hi-Lite Electric for safe, code-compliant garage and shed wiring. Check out our customer reviews to see why homeowners throughout Northern Illinois choose us for their electrical projects. Contact us today for a free estimate!