Garage Electrical Upgrades in Wisconsin: Complete 2026 Guide

Modern garages need modern electrical. From EV chargers to workshop circuits, here's what Wisconsin homeowners need to know about upgrading garage electrical.

Garage Electrical Costs

  • • 120V outlet: $150-$250
  • • 240V outlet (tools): $300-$500
  • • EV charger circuit: $500-$1,500
  • • Sub-panel: $1,500-$3,000
  • • LED shop lights: $300-$800

Popular Garage Upgrades

EV Charger Ready

Level 2 EV chargers need 240V, typically 40-60 amps. Installing the circuit now (even without the charger) costs less than doing it later. Future-proofs for electric vehicles.

Workshop Power

Table saws, compressors, and welders often need 240V. A sub-panel in the garage provides dedicated capacity without long runs back to the main panel.

LED Shop Lighting

Modern LED shop lights provide bright, even illumination at low energy cost. 4-foot or 8-foot fixtures, often on separate switch from general garage lights.

Freezer/Refrigerator Circuit

Dedicated circuit for garage fridge or freezer. Some codes allow non-GFCI for dedicated single-appliance receptacles to prevent nuisance tripping.

GFCI Requirements for Garages

  • All 125V, 15A and 20A outlets require GFCI
  • 240V outlets for tools don't need GFCI
  • Can use GFCI breaker to protect entire circuit
  • Exception possible for single-appliance circuits

When You Need a Sub-Panel

A sub-panel makes sense when:

  • • Main panel is far from garage (long wire runs are expensive)
  • • You need multiple new circuits
  • • Main panel is nearly full
  • • You're setting up a serious workshop
  • • Adding EV charger plus other circuits

Why We Can't Quote Remotely

Garage electrical quotes depend on:

  • • Distance from main panel to garage
  • • Main panel capacity and available space
  • • Attached vs detached garage (underground run?)
  • • Existing wiring condition
  • • Specific equipment power requirements

Related Resources

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