A well-built garage is only as useful as its electrical. When a homeowner in Cleona, PA completed a pole barn-style detached garage, they wanted it wired to match the quality of the structure — with enough power and the right layout to make the space genuinely functional for years to come. This was the kind of project we enjoy: a blank slate, a well-thought-out plan, and a homeowner who knew what they wanted from their shop.

The Structure and the Plan

The garage is a pole barn-style building with two distinct spaces: a garage area with two overhead doors, and a shop area fitted with workbenches. The shop also includes a bathroom — which meant the electrical scope went well beyond lighting and outlets. To serve it all properly, we trenched from the house and ran a 100-amp supply to a new 100-amp subpanel inside the garage. That panel gives the building its own dedicated capacity, with room to support everything installed today and anything the homeowner might add in the future.

The Shop Area

A shop is only as good as its outlets. We lined the shop walls with receptacles at workbench height — positioned so that power is always close at hand regardless of where work is being done. All outlets throughout the garage are GFCI protected, as required for garage and shop spaces. We also installed a ceiling fan to keep air moving during the warmer months, and new LED lighting throughout the shop for clean, reliable illumination across the entire work surface.

The Garage Area

In the garage bays, we wired the electric for both overhead door openers, installed outdoor lighting, and added a ceiling fan. LED lighting throughout the garage ensures the space is well-lit for any work happening in or around the vehicles. The outdoor lighting covers the exterior, making the building practical after dark as well.

The Bathroom

A bathroom in a detached shop changes what the space can be — no more trips back to the house mid-project. Wiring a bathroom in a detached structure requires attention to several things beyond just the vanity light. We installed an exhaust fan and light combination, a vanity light, and wired the water heater. We also ran power for heat tape on the plumbing lines, which is essential in an unheated building to prevent pipes from freezing during a Pennsylvania winter. A baseboard heater in the bathroom keeps the space usable even in cold weather.

A Shop Built to Be Used

What makes this installation work is that every decision was made with the end use in mind. Workbench-height outlets mean tools are always within reach. A bathroom that stays warm and has running water makes the shop a place someone can spend a full day. Good LED lighting throughout means no dark corners. GFCI protection on every outlet means the space is safe for the work that happens in a shop — where extension cords, water, and power tools often occupy the same space.

If you are planning a detached garage, pole barn, or workshop and want the electrical designed to match how you actually intend to use the space, we would be glad to discuss it. Call Mid Penn Electric at (717) 287-4008.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size electrical panel does a detached garage or workshop need?

It depends on what the space will be used for. A basic garage with lighting and a few outlets might be served adequately by a 60-amp subpanel. A shop with power tools, a bathroom, a water heater, and heating equipment typically warrants a 100-amp panel, which provides enough capacity for current needs and room to grow. The right answer starts with a conversation about how you plan to use the space — and a licensed electrician can help you size the service appropriately.

Do garage and workshop outlets need to be GFCI protected?

Yes. The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection for all receptacles in garages, carports, and unfinished areas. This applies to detached garages and workshops as well. GFCI protection is particularly important in shop environments, where power tools, extension cords, and occasional moisture create conditions where a ground fault is more likely. It is not just a code requirement — it is a practical safety measure for any working space.

What is heat tape and why is it needed for plumbing in a detached building?

Heat tape — also called pipe heating cable — is an electric heating element that wraps around water supply lines to prevent them from freezing when temperatures drop. In a detached building that is not continuously heated, the plumbing is vulnerable to freezing during a Pennsylvania winter. Running power to heat tape on the exposed pipe runs is one of the most reliable ways to protect the plumbing without having to keep the entire building heated. It requires a dedicated electrical connection and should be installed by a licensed electrician.