The garage
A circuit for the car, sized for the rest of the house too
The charger is the small part. The circuit behind it is the job.
Most home charging uses a 240-volt circuit, the same kind a clothes dryer uses. We run it from the panel to the garage wall, with a plug or a hardwired charger on the end, and check that the panel can carry it next to everything else you plan to add. You can buy the charger, or we can supply one.
What is included
- A dedicated 240-volt circuit from the panel to the garage
- A plug or a hardwired charger, whichever you prefer
- A load check so the panel isn't asked for too much
- Not included: the car, or a charger you buy elsewhere
What changes the cost
What moves the price of a garage circuit
An attached garage on the panel wall is a short job. A detached one across the yard is not.
Distance from the panel
Wire is priced by the foot, and a long run through finished walls takes more time.
A detached garage
It may mean a trench across the yard, a subpanel and a check on what is under the ground.
Panel capacity
A panel with no room for another large circuit may need load management or an upgrade.
Charger or plug
A plug is simpler; a hardwired charger is tidier and can charge faster. Both are fine.
No prices on this page: they depend on your house. How we write them is on the pricing page.
How it goes
A garage circuit, start to finish
- 01
Step 1: Walk-through
We look at the panel, the path to the garage and where you park.
- 02
Step 2: Written plan
The circuit, the plug or charger and a check of what else the panel carries.
- 03
Step 3: Work day
We run the wire, set the outlet or charger and test it with a load.
- 04
Step 4: Inspection and walk-through
The inspector signs off, and we show you the breaker and how to read the charger.
Permits and rules
A new 240-volt circuit is permitted electrical work, and we pull the permit. The inspector looks at the wire, the breaker and the outlet.
Some homeowner associations ask for a note about exterior changes. If yours does, tell us and we'll write what they need.
Questions about this room
Can I just use a regular outlet?
It works for a few miles of range overnight, but most people want a 240-volt circuit. We can plan for either.
I don't have an electric car yet. Is it worth wiring now?
Often yes, if the walls are open for other work. Running conduit now costs far less than opening a finished wall later. You choose.
What about two cars?
We can size the circuit and the panel for two, or plan one now and leave the room for a second.
Do you install solar chargers?
We do the electrical side only. Panels and inverters are a solar installer's work, and we'll leave the garage ready for one.
Ready to wire the garage?
Tell us where you park and where the panel is.