Wiring is among the most significant costs and most challenging tasks to undertake when considering the cheapest way to build a garage or shed. As an example, a 30×40 square feet shed is used as this covers most usage scenarios, or it could be adding third bay to existing two-car garage cost. Electrical wiring is crucial in providing power for various appliances, lighting, and equipment to the work bench in the shop or garage, making it an essential aspect of the construction process.
The cost of wiring a shop depends on several factors, including the complexity of the electrical work, the materials used, electricity, and the labor charges. Hiring a registered electrician or contractor experienced in commercial electrical installations is advisable to ensure compliance with local building codes and safety standards.
When estimating the cost to wire a shop, consider the following elements: electrical panels, wiring materials, led lights, light switches, light fixtures, outlets, and any special requirements specific to your shop’s needs. These materials may include electrical wires, conduits (like EMT conduits), metal boxes, and MC cable.
In our guide, you can learn more about the costs of running electricity to a metal building or garage. By the end, you’ll better understand the costs involved for size shop and if it’s an underground service, or new wiring runs above ground. Overall, you’ll know the cost per square foot for your electrics. (Read What Size Wire For Electric Stove)
Cost to Wire a 30×40 Shop
Wiring a 30×40 shop is essential to ensure the proper functioning of electrical equipment and lighting instead of using extension power cords. The cost of wiring a shop depends on various factors, like the size of the shop, the type of wiring, the number of outlets and switches, and the labor cost to run electricity to your shed.
In this section, we will discuss the factors affecting wiring costs and provide an estimated cost to wire a 30×40 shop.
Factors That Affect Wiring Costs
1. Size of Shop
The shop size is one of the most significant factors affecting electrical wiring costs. The larger the shop, the more wiring it requires, resulting in higher costs. A 30×40 shop is 1200 square feet, and the cost of electrical wiring per square foot can range from $2.50 to $6.00, depending on the type of electrical wiring and other factors.
2. Type of Wiring
The type of wiring impacts the cost of wiring your shop. There are various types of wiring available:
- Aluminum
- Copper
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Copper wiring is the most commonly used, and it is the most expensive. However, aluminum wiring is less expensive but challenging to work with.
3. Number of Outlets and Switches
The number of outlets and switches also affects the cost of wiring your shop. The more outlets and switches you need, the more wiring and labor will be required, resulting in higher per-square-foot costs. It is possible to use extension cords, yet these cause hazards and an extension cord could stop your tools from running properly.
4. Labor Cost
Labor costs are another significant factor affecting the price of wiring a shop. The labor cost can vary depending on the electrician’s location and experience. Pulling wire through finished walls isn’t the most straightforward task, so experience goes a long way.
Estimated Cost to Wire a 30×40 Shop
Based on the abovementioned factors, the estimated cost to wire a 30×40 shop can range from $3,000 to $8,000. The table below shows the estimated cost based on the cost per linear, per square foot. (Read What Size Lag Bolts For Deck Posts)
Type of Wiring Cost per Linear Foot
Estimated Cost
- Copper $6.00 per foot, $7,200 total
- Aluminum is $2.50 per foot, $3,000 total
- PVC $4.00 per foot, $4,800 total
Factors Affecting Wiring Costs
Type of Wiring Project
The type of wiring project can also impact the cost of wiring a shop. Some of the different wiring projects to affect the cost include:
- New construction wiring projects.
- Wiring upgrades or rewiring projects.
- Wiring projects for specific equipment or machinery.
Location of the Shop
The shop’s location can also impact the cost of wiring the shop. Some of the factors to impact the cost include:
- Soil conditions and terrain.
- The distance between the shop and the electrical source.
- The need for permits and inspections.
Overall, the cost of wiring a 30×40 shop can vary significantly depending on several factors. By understanding these factors, you can better estimate the cost of your wiring project and ensure you get an accurate quote from an electrician.
Wiring Materials
The wiring materials you’ll need will depend on the size of your shop and the electrical load you intend to handle.
For a 30×40 shop, you’ll likely need a 200-amp service with a sub panel, which will require the following electrical materials:
- 12/2 or 14/2 wire for lighting and outlets
- 10/2 or 8/2 wire for larger appliances
- Wire nuts and connectors
- Electrical tape
- Grounding wire
Electrical Panel
The electrical panel is the heart of your electrical system, where all the circuits in your shop will originate. The cost and price of an electrical panel will vary depending on the brand, size, and features of the house panel you choose. For a 30×40 shop, you’ll need a 200-amp panel with a sub panel, costing around $800 to $1,200. (Read Can You Paint Over Gelcoat)
Conduit
Conduit is the protective tubing or material that encases your wiring and protects it from damage. For a 30×40 shop, you’ll need an EMT conduit made of metal and the most common type of conduit used in commercial and industrial settings.
The cost of an EMT conduit will depend on the length and diameter you need, but it typically costs around $1 to $2 per linear foot per. You’ll need metal boxes, overhead lights, and switches to house your outlets. The cost of metal boxes will depend on the size and type of wires you need, but they typically cost around $1 to $2 each.
However, choosing suitable materials and working with a qualified electrician can save money and ensure your shop is wired safely.
Cost of Electricians
Hiring a registered electrician is always recommended. The cost of hiring an electrician can vary depending on their experience level, location, and the job’s complexity. To give you an idea of how much power it will cost, let’s assume that an electrician charges $75 per hour, and it takes them 40 hours to complete the job.
DIY Wiring
If you have experience with electrical work and feel confident in your abilities, you may be able to wire-run electricity in your shop yourself. However, remember that wiring to run electricity in a shop is a complex task that requires knowledge of electrical codes and safety precautions.
Wiring a shop can take anywhere from 40 to 80 hours to finish work, depending on the material costs, the complexity of the job, and your level of experience. However, making any mistakes during the wiring process could cost power company and you more in the long run.
Type of Wiring Project
When it comes to wiring a 30×40 shop, there are several types of wiring projects to consider.
New Construction Wiring
If you’re building a new shop from scratch, you’ll need to install new electrical wiring.
This is typically the most expensive type of wiring project, but it’s also the most important.
New construction involves running wires from your electrical panel to all your shop’s outlets, light fixtures, and switches. You’ll also need to install electrical boxes and conduits.
Interior Wiring
Once you have the basic wiring in place, you’ll need to wire up all of the interior components of your shop.
This includes overhead lighting, outlet wiring, and switch installation. Depending on the layout of your shop, you may also need to install extension cord or cords or additional wiring to reach all of the critical areas.
Shop Location
When it comes to wiring a 30×40 shop, the location of the building plays a significant role in determining the linear foot cost. Note: using extension cords to get around this isn’t good advice. Pay electricians once to have security, and you have the permit to say the electricity and power to your shed are up to code.
Attached Garage Wiring
If your shop is an attached garage, the wiring requirements will depend on the existing electrical system in your home. The wiring will need to be connected to the main panel in your home, and the load will need to be calculated to ensure that the existing system can handle the additional load.
The cost of wiring an attached garage will depend on the distance between the garage and the main panel, the number of circuits needed, and the type of wiring used on top of the electricians’ cost.
Detached Garage Wiring
Wiring a detached garage is more complicated than wiring an attached garage. A new electrical service will need to be installed, which will require running a new electrical cable from the main panel in your home to the garage.
The cost of wiring a detached garage will depend on the distance between the garage and the main panel, the number of circuits needed, the type of wiring used, and whether the new wiring will be installed underground or overhead. (Learn How To Cover Drywall Seams Without Mud)
Detached Shed Wiring
If your shop is detached, the wiring requirements will be similar to any other detached building or garage.
A new electrical service will need to be installed, which will require running a new electrical cable from the main electrical meter base and panel in your home to the shed.
The square foot cost of wiring a detached shed will depend on the linear foot distance you run electricity between your shed and the main panel, the number of circuits, and the wiring used. How much does it cost will vary depending if it will be installed underground or overhead.
