What this service does
Outdoor electrical work must handle weather, physical damage, and the demands of the equipment it powers. A detached garage, shed, or workshop often needs a coordinated feeder, distribution, and grounding plan rather than a long extension cord.
Explore specific services
Estimated prices for specific jobs
Before tax and permit or utility fees. Hourly labor is not a total project price. Full price list.
Electrical trenching in dirt / grass$13.50–$31.50 per linear foot
Excavate and backfill an ordinary electrical trench in accessible soil.
Excavation only, usually 50+ ft. Conduit, conductors, rock/root removal and landscape restoration excluded.
Concrete / asphalt saw-cut, trench and patch$67.50–$157.50 per linear foot
Open a narrow paved route, excavate and restore a basic strip after electrical work.
Typical residential access. Minimum mobilization applies. Conduit, wires and decorative finishes excluded.
Underground PVC / rigid metal conduit$7.20–$18 per linear foot, PVC
Install raceway with fittings in an open prepared trench.
Range is for PVC conduit. Rigid metal roughly $18–$40/ft. Conductors, trench and termination equipment excluded.
Direct-burial UF-B cable$7.20–$16.20 per linear foot
Supply and place a small UF-B branch-circuit cable in a prepared suitable trench.
Typical 12/2 or 10/2. Excavation, endpoint connections and larger feeders excluded.
Detached garage complete wiring$5,400–$10,800 per 400–600 sq ft garage
Install a feeder/subpanel, basic lights and roughly 6–10 receptacles in an open-framed garage.
Approximately 50 ft feeder. Standard devices/lights included. Trenching and EV circuit excluded.
Detached workshop complete wiring$7,200–$14,400 per 600–1000 sq ft shop
Provide a subpanel, basic lighting/outlets and circuits for a welder, compressor and dust collector.
Open framing and approximately 50 ft feeder. Machinery, trenching and service upgrade excluded.
Shed lighting and convenience outlets$1,620–$3,420 per 100–200 sq ft shed
Provide a small electrical supply, one or two lights and a few receptacles.
Open framing and approximately 50 ft route. Trench and substantial heating loads excluded.
Greenhouse power, ventilation and heating outlets$2,250–$4,950 per small greenhouse
Install suitable supply wiring, protected outlets and power connections for fans and modest heating.
Approximately 100–300 sq ft and 50 ft route. Equipment and trenching excluded.
Backyard studio / office-pod electrical run$1,800–$4,050 per feeder connection
Run power to a prewired backyard studio and connect a small distribution arrangement.
Approximately 50–75 ft. Internal fit-out, trenching and HVAC circuits beyond agreed load extra.
Driveway gate power run$1,080–$2,700 per gate supply
Provide a suitable electrical feed and low-voltage/control route for a gate operator.
Approximately 50–100 ft. Gate/operator, trenching and access-control equipment excluded.
Outdoor kitchen / BBQ island electrical$1,620–$4,050 per small island
Install one or two circuits, weather-appropriate receptacles and basic lighting connections.
Typical 4–6 outlets/connection points. Appliances, decorative lights, trenching and masonry excluded.
RV 30A / 50A pedestal receptacle$1,260–$2,700 per rv hookup
Install a suitable RV supply and outdoor pedestal or receptacle assembly.
Approximately 25–50 ft. TT-30 is 120V; 14-50 is 120/240V. Trenching and service upgrade excluded.
Common options and scope
Garages, sheds and workshops
Provide feeder circuits, subpanels, receptacles, interior lighting, and equipment connections for residential accessory structures.
Underground circuits and pathways
Plan conduit, approved burial methods, trench routes, cable selection, and utility-locate coordination. Required depth depends on wiring method and site conditions.
Patios, decks and outdoor kitchens
Install weather-appropriate receptacles, covers, lighting, heaters, and appliance circuits with applicable GFCI protection and suitable equipment ratings.
Seasonal equipment power
Plan appropriate wiring for irrigation controllers, sump pumps and residential landscape equipment, matching the selected equipment specifications.
What happens during the work
Property layout, trench restoration, underground utilities, drainage, and permitted use of the building affect scope. Call 811 before digging and confirm who performs excavation and restoration.
Helpful to have ready
A short description, your city or ZIP, and photos of the visible area or equipment. Never remove electrical covers or touch exposed wiring for a photo.
Questions
Can I run a shed permanently on an extension cord?
An extension cord is not a substitute for permanent building wiring. A properly designed circuit or feeder provides a safer, code-compliant approach for permanent use.
Real project photos
Where this service is available
Seattle, the Eastside, and mainland communities from Marysville to Tacoma. See all service areas.
Not sure what you need?
Send a photo. Ask a certified electrician.
Not sure what you need? Send a photo and tell True what’s going on or what you’d like to change. Get help understanding your options and the next step.
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What happens next
Tell us what you’re working on. True will review your request and respond by your preferred contact method. Together, we’ll determine whether the next step is advice based on your photos, a visit, or an estimate. Estimates are free, including on-site visits.