How much does it cost to wire my detached garage for both a Level 2 EV charger and a 220V compressor?

Wiring a detached garage for both a Level 2 EV charger and a 220V compressor in Ottawa will typically cost $3,500 to $8,000, depending on the distance from your main electrical panel, the amperage requirements, and whether you need to upgrade your home's electrical service. This is a substantial electrical project that requires careful planning to ensure adequate capacity for both high-draw appliances.

The electrical demands are significant — a Level 2 EV charger typically draws 32 to 48 amps (requiring a 40 to 60-amp circuit), while a decent shop compressor needs 20 to 30 amps on 240V. Combined with garage lighting, receptacles, and a potential heater, you're looking at needing a 100-amp sub-panel in the garage minimum, fed by a substantial cable run from your main panel. In Ottawa's climate, this underground cable run must be buried below the frost line (1.2 to 1.5 metres deep) to prevent frost heaving from damaging the conduit and wiring.

The cost breakdown typically includes: underground cable and conduit from house to garage ($15 to $25 per linear foot depending on amperage and burial depth), 100-amp sub-panel installation in garage ($800 to $1,500), individual circuits for the EV charger ($400 to $600), compressor circuit ($300 to $500), GFCI-protected receptacle circuits ($200 to $400), and lighting circuits ($150 to $300). If your main panel needs upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service to handle the additional load, add another $2,500 to $4,000 to the project cost.

Distance is a major cost factor — a 30-foot run costs significantly less than a 100-foot run due to cable and trenching expenses. The cable size increases with distance to compensate for voltage drop, and larger cable costs substantially more. Winter installation adds complexity and cost since trenching frozen ground requires specialized equipment.

All of this work requires an ESA-licensed electrician and proper permits — this isn't negotiable and attempting unlicensed electrical work voids your home insurance. The electrician will need to calculate the electrical load, determine if your main service can handle the additional draw, and ensure proper grounding and bonding. When you're ready to move forward, you can browse qualified electrical contractors through the Ottawa Construction Network directory to compare options and get detailed quotes for your specific garage setup.