How much does it cost to run electrical to a detached garage or workshop in rural New Brunswick?

Running electrical service to a detached garage or workshop in rural New Brunswick typically costs $2,500 to $8,000, with the biggest variable being the distance from your main panel to the outbuilding and whether you need to trench underground or can run overhead.

The two main approaches are underground and overhead runs, and each has distinct cost implications for New Brunswick properties.

Underground runs are the preferred method and required by many municipalities. You'll need to trench from the house to the garage at a minimum depth of 600mm (24 inches) if using rigid PVC conduit, or 750mm if using direct-burial cable without conduit. In New Brunswick, many electricians recommend going deeper — to 900mm or more — to stay well below the frost line and avoid damage from frost heave. For a typical 15 to 30 metre run, expect to pay $2,500 to $5,000 for a 60 amp subpanel setup, or $4,000 to $8,000 for a 100 amp service suitable for a serious workshop with welders, compressors, and heavy equipment.

Cost breakdown for a typical installation:

• Subpanel (60 amp): $300 to $600
• Wire and conduit (per metre): $15 to $40 depending on amperage
• Trenching (per metre): $10 to $25 for open ground, $30 to $60 through landscaping or gravel driveways
• Electrician labour: $800 to $2,000
• TSANB permit and inspection: $150 to $300

Rural New Brunswick properties often have longer runs — 30 to 60 metres or more between the house and a detached garage or barn. Longer distances require heavier gauge wire to prevent voltage drop. For a 60 amp circuit at 30 metres, you'll likely need 4 AWG copper or 2 AWG aluminum. At 60 metres, you may need to upsize to 2 AWG copper or 1/0 aluminum. Your electrician will calculate the exact wire size based on the distance and load requirements.

Overhead runs are sometimes used in rural areas where trenching is impractical (rocky terrain, long distances, or crossing driveways). Overhead service requires proper clearances — minimum 3.7 metres above ground, 4.5 metres above driveways, and proper weatherhead connections at both buildings. This approach can be cheaper for long distances but is more exposed to ice storm damage, which is a real consideration in New Brunswick.

What to include in your garage subpanel. At minimum, plan for lighting circuits, a couple of general outlet circuits (20 amp), a dedicated circuit for a garage door opener, and at least one 240V circuit for future use (EV charger, welder, or compressor). If you're building a serious workshop, a 100 amp subpanel gives you room for table saws, welders, dust collection systems, and heating. Spending a few hundred dollars more on a larger subpanel now saves thousands in future upgrades.

A TSANB permit is required for all detached building electrical work in New Brunswick. The inspector will verify proper wire sizing, burial depth, grounding, bonding between buildings, and subpanel installation.

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