What to Consider When Adding Outlets to a Garage

Whether your house is just a few years old or has been around for decades, electrical outlet placement is crucial. It's also one of those aspects of home design that often gets overlooked—especially in the garage. 

If you're tired of searching for an outlet every time you work in the garage or considering adding new outlets to your garage, we can help. Planning outlet placement in a garage is an easy DIY project, and at Do it Best, you'll find everything you need!

Consider How You Will Use Your Garage

If you're building a new home, planning and designing are very exciting. You can customize every part to fit your lifestyle…but there are many details to keep track of. Considerations like electrical outlet placement in the garage might end up last on your list.

On the same note, if you're living with a garage that someone else planned (or realize you overlooked outlet placement in the garage when you built your home), is there still a chance to fix a lack of outlets? Of course, there is! With a bit of planning, you can place outlets where they will be convenient and easy to access.

As you plan where to place the outlets, there are many things to consider. First and foremost, you should think of the main ways that you use your garage. Is it an attached garage or unattached? Is it a place where you simply park your car, or do you use your garage as a workshop too? Are there hobbies like woodworking and DIY projects you perform in the garage? Do you need to access electrical tools and accessories for the yard?

Some folks have shop tools like a table saw in their garage. Others have a freezer or beverage fridge. Some people like the ability to plug in holiday or patio lights and other decorations into outlets in the garage. It’s important to consider all factors so you can plan to place the electrical outlets in the garage accordingly.

Consider what will be running on your garage outlets. Some common appliances, like a deep freezer, require 15-20-amps (depending on the freezer specs). Garages must have at least one 120-volt, 20-amp circuit with GFCI protection. GFCI outlets are also known as "ground fault circuit interrupters." Unlike a standard outlet, these outlets feature two small buttons. Should there be a surge of electricity, the button will pop out, immediately cutting the flow of electricity to the outlet. It's an extra safety measure that's typically found in bathroom and kitchen outlets as well. 

What about the type of outlet? Do you need a 3-prong outlet? Most outlets these days are 3-prong outlets. The older 2-prong outlets don't have a grounding feature, making them less safe. Generally, 3-prong outlets are backward compatible, meaning they work with both 2-prong and 3-prong plugs. If you're installing new outlets, most electrical contractors will go with a 3-prong outlet type. As for the voltage requirement, most outlets are a standard 120 v outlet, but it's also a good idea to consider the volt requirements for electric power tools and any equipment you plan on using in the garage.

The total load of electrical usage shouldn't be higher than your service rating. Always check your service rating beforehand. It will usually be between 100 and 200 amps for the entire house. If your electrical service is too low for your household needs, discuss it with your electrician before they upgrade.

As you calculate your electrical needs for the devices and tools in your garage, don’t forget about a few common items like a garage door opener. Most garage door opening systems require an electric outlet in the center of the ceiling. A ceiling outlet is a good idea, even if you don't yet have a garage door opener. You'll need extra outlets for both sides if you have a two-car garage with two doors. 

Other machines like a freezer, fridge, water heater, washer, or dryer may require electrical power outlets at around a height of 3 feet (36”). Following the guideline above of placing outlets 5-6 feet apart throughout the garage, plan for the space you’ll need to place appliances.  

Power tools and workstations may also require additional planning. Will you want overhead electrical outlets above a workbench? What about lighting in the garage? If you have a worktable, it could be helpful to several easy-to-access outlets. For most DIY projects, you should avoid using an extension cord when possible, so plan carefully to ensure you have all the needed outlets. Long-term use of extension cords and other tools increases the risk of electrical fires. 

If you need work lighting or additional overhead lights in your garage, outlet planning will help you get the placement right—where it's functional and out-of-the-way. You want each new wall outlet to be practical and safe. A licensed electrician can advise you on the right electrical wiring needed to make your garage as beautiful and useful as any of your other indoor spaces.

How much will it cost to have an electrician install outlets in your garage? The final cost depends on the number of outlets you require, the extent of the wiring, and many other factors of the electrical work. Most licensed electricians' average costs range between $50-120 per outlet. But planning ahead is an easy way to save. You'll know exactly what you want and need, cutting the extra cost of planning and troubleshooting. 

Get the necessary supplies ready such as outlets and plate covers. Even though wall plate covers may seem unnecessary, especially in an unfinished garage, they can help keep critters, like mice, from chewing electrical wires and nesting near outlets. The covers will also keep outlets cleaner and free of debris. You may also want to cover the outlets when they aren’t in use, especially if you have children that play in the garage. 

Once installed, outlets don’t require much in terms of maintenance. Be sure that you’re keeping garage outlets clear of storage. Only use outlets appropriately—minimize the use of extension cords, outlet extenders, and power strips. In most cases, you should only use these power extenders as a temporary solution. 

Instead, planning for and installing the correct number of outlets you will need in your garage is far better. Garages, in particular, are spots where safety is always an important consideration. Keep yourself and your family protected with the proper number of outlets for your use.

Take your time and consider all of your needs, whether you're planning outlet placement in your brand-new garage or scheduling an electrician to put in additional outlets. Once you have the right number of outlets, you can power up your tools and work on all those home improvement projects on your list! Get all the supplies you need at your local Do it Best hardware stores!