Why Does Running Power to a Detached Garage Feel So Complicated?

Honestly, I’ve seen the same thing with smart switches - folks get excited, set up all these routines, and then just end up flipping the switch like always. For a garage, I’d keep it simple unless you really want to geek out. On panel size, I always recommend going bigger than you think you’ll need. Ten years ago, I never imagined I’d want to charge an EV or run a dust collector at the same time as my table saw, but here we are... It’s way easier to have extra capacity now than to upgrade later.

Couldn’t agree more on oversizing the panel. I went with a 100A subpanel for my garage, thinking it was overkill, and now I’m glad I did - between the compressor, welder, and random upgrades, it fills up fast. Planning for future-proofing saves a ton of headaches later.

Planning for future-proofing saves a ton of headaches later.

Totally get this. I thought 60A would be plenty for my setup, but then the EV charger came into play... and suddenly I’m shuffling circuits like a game of Tetris. Oversizing feels like overkill at first, but it’s way less painful than trying to upgrade later. Funny how “just a few tools” turns into a mini power plant before you know it.

I hear you on the EV charger surprise. I used to think, “How much juice can a garage really need?” Then tenants started asking about welders, freezers, and charging stations. Now I just run bigger wire from the start - cheaper than tearing up concrete later. Funny how fast “future-proofing” turns into “barely enough.”

Yeah, it’s wild how quickly “extra capacity” becomes the bare minimum. I’ve started running conduit with room for more wire, just in case. Curious - has anyone actually maxed out a 100A subpanel in their garage yet, or is that still overkill for most setups?