Attached vs detached garages
An attached or integral garage can often be supplied by extending an existing circuit – for example, adding sockets and lights from the house's ring final or a new radial circuit. For heavy use, a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit is better.
A detached garage is treated as an outbuilding. It usually needs a dedicated supply run underground in armoured (SWA) cable from the house consumer unit to a small consumer unit in the garage. Trenches, depth and route all need planning. See garden office electrics for a similar set-up.
What you plan to use matters
| Use | Typical needs |
|---|---|
| Storage, occasional DIY | Good LED lighting, two double sockets |
| Workshop with power tools | More sockets, dedicated radial circuit, bright task lighting |
| Home gym | Sockets for treadmill, lighting, possibly a fan or AC unit |
| Freezer or second fridge | Dedicated socket, RCD protection, possibly RCBO |
| EV charging | Dedicated EV charger circuit – see our EV guides |
| Electric door | Fused spur near the motor |
Typical garage uses and the electrics they need
Safety requirements
A dedicated supply or new circuit is notifiable work under Part P in England, so use a registered electrician who can certify it. See Part P explained and smoke and heat alarms explained.
- RCD protection for sockets and circuits – essential in garages
- Sockets mounted at a sensible height away from where liquids are stored
- Metal-clad or impact-resistant sockets and switches in workshops
- Cables protected from damage by tools, cars and stored items
- Correct earthing arrangements, especially for detached buildings
- Smoke or heat alarm if the garage is attached to the house
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Lighting
Old fluorescent tubes are being phased out. LED batten lights are cheap, bright and efficient, and come in waterproof versions for damp garages. For workbenches, add task lighting. Outside, a PIR floodlight over the garage door helps when you're coming and going after dark – see PIR security lighting guide.
Typical costs
Get quotes from local electricians and read how many sockets do I need.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Two double sockets and LED lights (attached garage) | £300 – £600 |
| Dedicated radial circuit to an attached garage | £350 – £700 |
| SWA supply to a detached garage (up to 15m) | £800 – £1,800 |
| Garage consumer unit | £250 – £500 |
| LED batten light replacing a fluorescent tube | £70 – £140 |
Indicative garage electrics prices (2026)
