What are the NB Electrical Code requirements for garage outlet spacing?

The NB Electrical Code, which adopts the Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1), requires that garage receptacles be spaced so that no point along the finished wall is more than 1.8 metres (6 feet) from a receptacle outlet, and all garage receptacles must have GFCI protection. These are minimum requirements — most experienced electricians and homeowners install significantly more outlets than the code minimum because a garage used as a workshop, storage space, or hobby area needs power in places that the bare minimum simply does not cover.

The 1.8-metre rule means that along any finished wall section in a garage, you need a receptacle at least every 3.6 metres (12 feet), so that a 1.8-metre cord can reach a plug from any point along the wall. In practice, for a standard 24x24 two-car garage, this works out to a minimum of roughly 6 to 8 duplex receptacles around the perimeter. However, code also specifies that each wall space wider than 900 mm (about 3 feet) requires at least one receptacle, and receptacles must be installed within 1.8 metres of each door opening. The wall behind the garage door is typically exempt if it has no usable wall space, but the remaining three walls must comply.

GFCI protection is mandatory for all receptacles in a garage under the current Canadian Electrical Code. This applies to both 120V and 240V receptacles. GFCI protection can be provided by a GFCI breaker at the panel (which protects every outlet on that circuit) or by installing the first receptacle on each circuit as a GFCI receptacle that protects all downstream outlets. Most electricians in NB prefer GFCI breakers for garage circuits because they provide comprehensive protection and eliminate the nuisance of tracking down which GFCI receptacle tripped when a downstream outlet goes dead.

Beyond the general receptacle requirements, the code specifies several dedicated circuits and additional requirements for garages. A garage door opener should have its own receptacle, typically a single outlet mounted on the ceiling near the opener unit. Outdoor receptacles on the exterior of the garage require individual weather-rated covers (in-use covers) and GFCI protection. If the garage has a vehicle charging station, it requires a dedicated circuit sized to the charger's amperage — typically a 40-amp or 50-amp 240V circuit with GFCI protection.

For garages that will function as workshops, the code minimums are genuinely insufficient. Consider installing dedicated 20-amp circuits for each major tool location — table saw, bandsaw, compressor, dust collector — so that running one tool does not trip the breaker when another draws its startup surge. A practical workshop layout includes receptacles at 42-inch height (workbench level) in addition to the standard 12 to 18-inch height outlets around the perimeter. The code does not mandate this, but any electrician who has wired NB garage workshops will recommend it.

Outlet height is another consideration specific to garages. While the code allows standard residential height (approximately 300 mm or 12 inches above the floor), many NB homeowners and electricians prefer to mount garage receptacles at 450 to 500 mm (18 to 20 inches) to keep them above typical garage clutter, above snow melt puddles that accumulate on garage floors during winter, and easier to access when vehicles are parked.

All garage electrical work in New Brunswick — including adding outlets to an existing garage — requires an electrical permit and must be done by a licensed electrician. The inspection process confirms correct outlet spacing, proper GFCI protection, appropriate circuit loading, and safe wiring practices. Skipping the permit is never worth the risk: unpermitted electrical work creates fire hazards, voids insurance coverage, and must be corrected before selling the property. Find qualified electricians through the New Brunswick Construction Network at newbrunswickconstructionnetwork.com.