Do I need a separate subpanel for my detached workshop or can I run circuits from my house panel?

You can run circuits directly from your main house panel to a detached workshop, but a subpanel is often the better choice depending on your power needs, distance, and future plans. The decision comes down to how much power you need, how far the workshop is from your house, and whether you want flexibility for future electrical additions.

Running individual circuits from your main panel works well for basic workshop needs — a couple of outlets, overhead lighting, and perhaps a workbench circuit. You'd typically run separate 15A or 20A circuits using NMD90 cable (if running through conduit underground) or TECK cable (if direct burial). Each circuit requires its own breaker in your main panel and must be sized properly for the load and distance. For a workshop 50-100 feet from your house, voltage drop becomes a consideration — you may need to upsize the wire to maintain proper voltage at the workshop.

A subpanel becomes the better choice when you need multiple circuits, higher-power equipment, or want room for future expansion. Installing a 60A or 100A subpanel in your workshop gives you local breaker control, eliminates multiple long wire runs, and provides flexibility to add circuits later without running back to the main panel. You'd run a single larger cable (typically 6/3 or 4/3 TECK) from your main panel to feed the subpanel, then distribute power locally within the workshop.

GTA-specific considerations include our freeze-thaw cycles that can disturb underground conduit, making proper burial depth (18 inches minimum for direct burial cable) and conduit protection crucial. Many Toronto-area workshops in older neighborhoods start with basic lighting and outlet circuits, then later need 240V for welders, compressors, or electric heaters during our cold winters. Starting with a subpanel gives you that flexibility without major rewiring later.

Cost comparison for a typical detached workshop 75 feet from the house: Running two individual 20A circuits costs approximately $800-$1,200 including wire, conduit, and installation. Installing a 60A subpanel with the same two circuits costs $1,500-$2,500, but gives you capacity for 8-12 additional circuits. The subpanel option costs more upfront but provides significantly more value if you anticipate any electrical expansion.

Wire sizing and voltage drop are critical for longer runs. A 20A circuit feeding a workshop 100 feet away typically requires 12AWG wire upsized to 10AWG to compensate for voltage drop. With a subpanel, you run one larger feeder cable and distribute power locally, eliminating voltage drop issues on individual circuits.

ESA permit requirements apply to both approaches — any new electrical work in a detached building requires a permit and inspection. Your electrician will need to coordinate the underground cable routing, ensure proper grounding at the workshop, and install appropriate disconnect switches. GFCI protection is required for all workshop outlets unless they're specifically designated for equipment that would be harmed by nuisance tripping.

For most GTA workshops, a subpanel is the recommended approach. It provides local circuit control, eliminates multiple long wire runs, accommodates future electrical needs, and often costs only 20-30% more than running individual circuits while providing 5-10 times the electrical capacity. Your electrician can perform a load calculation to determine the right subpanel size based on your current and anticipated electrical needs.

Need help finding a licensed electrician to assess your workshop electrical needs? Toronto Electrical Repair can match you with local professionals who specialize in detached building electrical installations.