Whether you're a weekend woodworker, auto enthusiast, or serious hobbyist in Aiken, SC, having the right electrical setup in your garage or workshop is essential for safety, productivity, and enjoying your craft. A properly planned electrical system ensures you have the power you need where you need it, without overloading circuits or creating hazardous conditions.
At Unity Power & Light, we've wired dozens of garage workshops throughout Aiken and the surrounding areas. We've seen everything from basic garage conversions to professional-grade woodworking shops and automotive restoration spaces. Here's what you need to know to plan your workshop electrical system the right way.
Understanding Subpanel Installation for Your Workshop
The foundation of any serious garage or workshop electrical setup is a dedicated subpanel. Your main electrical panel in your house likely doesn't have enough available circuits or capacity to support the heavy-duty equipment typically used in workshops. A subpanel installed in your garage gives you dedicated power and room for multiple circuits without overloading your main panel.
Choosing the Right Subpanel Size: For most home workshops, you'll want either a 60-amp or 100-amp subpanel. A 60-amp subpanel is adequate for basic woodworking shops with standard power tools, LED lighting, and a few dedicated circuits. However, if you're planning to run heavy equipment like welders, plasma cutters, large air compressors, or you want to add an EV charger, a 100-amp subpanel provides the capacity you'll need without maxing out your system.
The installation process involves running a feeder cable from your main panel to the new subpanel location in your garage. For attached garages, this is relatively straightforward. For detached garages, the run may need to be underground in conduit, which adds complexity and cost but provides a clean, protected installation that meets code requirements.
240V Outlets: Powering Heavy Equipment
One of the most important aspects of workshop electrical planning is ensuring you have proper 240V outlets for heavy equipment. Most residential circuits are 120V, which is fine for lights and smaller tools, but serious workshop equipment requires 240V power.
Common 240V applications in Aiken workshops include:
- Welders: MIG, TIG, and stick welders typically require dedicated 240V circuits ranging from 30 to 50 amps depending on the unit
- Air compressors: Large stationary air compressors (5 HP and above) need 240V power to operate efficiently
- Table saws: Cabinet table saws with 3+ HP motors require 240V circuits, typically 20-30 amps
- Dust collection systems: Whole-shop dust collectors often run on 240V for more powerful motors
- Plasma cutters: Most plasma cutting systems require dedicated 240V circuits
- Band saws and jointers: Larger stationary woodworking equipment typically needs 240V power
Each piece of heavy equipment should have its own dedicated circuit sized appropriately for the tool's amperage requirements. This prevents nuisance tripping and ensures safe operation. We install NEMA 6-20R, 6-30R, or 6-50R receptacles depending on your specific equipment needs.
Proper Lighting Layout for Workshop Spaces
Good lighting is absolutely critical in a workshop, both for precision work and safety. Poor lighting leads to eye strain, mistakes, and potential injuries. The key is layering different types of lighting to create a well-lit workspace.
General overhead lighting: LED shop lights are the gold standard for garage workshops. We typically recommend 4-foot or 8-foot LED fixtures mounted to the ceiling in rows that provide even, shadow-free illumination across the entire workspace. For an average two-car garage (20x20 feet), you'll want at least 6-8 four-foot LED fixtures or 4-6 eight-foot fixtures to achieve proper lighting levels.
Task lighting: In addition to overhead lighting, dedicated task lighting at workbenches, tool stations, and assembly areas ensures you have bright, focused light exactly where you need it. Under-cabinet lighting above workbenches, adjustable arm lamps, and magnetic LED strips are all excellent options.
Lighting circuits: Workshop lighting should be on separate circuits from your outlets. This ensures that if you trip a breaker while using a tool, you don't lose all your lights at the same time. We typically install lighting on 15-amp circuits with switches located at each entry point to the garage.
Dedicated Circuits for Power Tools
Beyond the 240V circuits for heavy equipment, you'll need multiple 120V circuits for your portable power tools and general-use outlets. The National Electrical Code requires dedicated circuits for workshops to prevent overloading.
Recommended circuit layout:
- At least two 20-amp circuits for general-use outlets around the perimeter of the garage
- One dedicated 20-amp circuit for workbench outlets
- One dedicated 20-amp circuit for stationary tool locations
- Separate 15-amp circuits for lighting
- One 20-amp circuit for a shop vacuum or dust collection receptacle
Having multiple circuits means you can run several tools simultaneously without worrying about tripping breakers. For example, you might have a table saw running on one circuit, a shop vac on another, and your workbench router on a third, all while your lights and air compressor are on separate dedicated circuits.
GFCI Requirements in Garage Spaces
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection for all 120V outlets in garages. GFCI protection is essential for safety because garages are considered damp or potentially wet locations, and GFCI devices prevent electrocution by shutting off power when they detect a ground fault.
There are two ways to provide GFCI protection: GFCI outlets at each receptacle location, or GFCI breakers in your subpanel that protect the entire circuit. For workshops, we often recommend GFCI breakers in the panel because they're easier to reset (you don't have to track down which outlet tripped) and provide protection for the entire circuit including any hardwired equipment.
One important note: some sensitive electronics and certain motor-driven tools can cause nuisance tripping on GFCI circuits. If you experience this, it's a sign that the tool may have a ground fault issue and should be inspected, not that the GFCI should be removed.
Strategic Outlet Placement Planning
Where you place your outlets is just as important as how many you install. Poor outlet placement means you'll be constantly stretching cords, using extension cords as permanent wiring (a code violation and fire hazard), or moving equipment to reach power.
Workbench outlet placement: Install outlets 4-6 inches above workbench height (typically 40-44 inches from the floor). This keeps them easily accessible without having to reach behind your workbench. Space outlets every 4 feet along the workbench length so you always have power within reach.
Perimeter outlets: Install outlets every 6 feet around the garage perimeter at standard height (12-18 inches from floor). This ensures you can plug in anywhere without extension cords.
Ceiling outlets: Don't forget ceiling-mounted outlets for power tools that drop down from above (like retractable extension cord reels) or for temporary lighting.
Stationary tool locations: Plan outlet locations based on where your stationary equipment will be positioned. A table saw in the center of the garage might need a floor-mounted outlet box or a ceiling-drop circuit.
Adding an EV Charger While You're At It
If you're already running a new subpanel to your garage for workshop power, it's the perfect time to add a circuit for an electric vehicle charger. Many Aiken homeowners are adding EV chargers in anticipation of future vehicle purchases, and installing the circuit during your workshop electrical upgrade saves money versus a separate installation later.
A Level 2 EV charger typically requires a dedicated 240V, 40-50 amp circuit. This can be installed from your new garage subpanel, and the outlet can be positioned wherever you plan to park your EV. Even if you don't have an electric vehicle yet, installing the circuit now means you're ready when you do, and it can increase your home's resale value.
Insulation and Conduit for Detached Garages
If your workshop is in a detached garage, the electrical installation becomes more complex but is absolutely doable. The power feed from your main panel to the detached garage must be protected, and there are specific code requirements for these installations in South Carolina.
Underground conduit runs: The most common method is running the feeder cable through underground conduit. We typically dig a trench 18-24 inches deep (depending on the type of conduit used), install PVC conduit, pull the feeder cable through, and backfill. This protects the wiring from damage and meets code requirements.
Overhead runs: In some situations, an overhead run from the house to the garage is more practical. This involves installing weather-head equipment on both structures and running the cable overhead, maintaining proper clearances above the ground and any walkways.
Disconnecting means: Detached garage electrical systems require a disconnect method, which is typically handled by the main breaker in your garage subpanel.
Cost Considerations for Different Workshop Setups
The cost of a garage workshop electrical installation varies significantly based on the scope of work, but here are some general ranges for Aiken area installations:
Basic setup (60-amp subpanel, 4-6 new circuits, basic lighting): $2,000-3,500
Mid-range setup (100-amp subpanel, 8-10 circuits, LED shop lighting, multiple 240V outlets): $3,500-5,000
Professional-grade setup (100-amp subpanel, 12+ circuits, comprehensive lighting, multiple 240V circuits, EV charger circuit, detached garage run): $5,000-7,500+
Factors that affect cost include:
- Distance from main panel to garage (longer runs = higher material costs)
- Attached vs. detached garage (detached adds trenching/overhead run costs)
- Number of circuits and outlets required
- Type and quantity of lighting fixtures
- Whether the main panel has capacity or needs upgrading
- Concrete cutting if conduit needs to run under slabs
While it may be tempting to cut costs, remember that electrical work in your workshop is an investment in safety and functionality. Proper electrical infrastructure prevents fires, protects your expensive tools and equipment, and makes your workshop a pleasure to use.
Working with a Licensed Electrician in Aiken
Garage and workshop electrical installations require permits and must be performed by a licensed electrician in South Carolina. This isn't a DIY project. The combination of high-amperage circuits, multiple dedicated circuits, and specific code requirements for garage spaces means professional installation is essential.
At Unity Power & Light, we handle the entire process: consulting with you to understand your workshop needs, designing the electrical system to support your equipment and future expansion, pulling permits with Aiken County, performing the installation to code, and scheduling inspections. We're licensed (SC #117080), bonded, insured, and veteran-owned, serving Aiken and the surrounding areas with professional electrical services.
We'll walk through your garage with you, discuss which tools and equipment you plan to use, plan outlet locations based on your workflow, and design a system that supports your current needs while allowing for future expansion. A well-designed workshop electrical system should last decades and grow with your hobby or business.
Ready to Power Your Workshop?
If you're ready to transform your garage into a properly powered workshop, or if you have questions about what your specific setup requires, contact Unity Power & Light. We provide free consultations and quotes for garage and workshop electrical installations throughout the Aiken area. Call us at (803) 220-4491 or request a quote through our website. Let's build the workshop electrical system that brings your projects to life safely and efficiently.