How to install an outdoor outlet

Outdoor outlets have watertight covers that allow them to stay covered even with a cord plugged in. Make the wire connections between the cable and the electrical panel, then install a 20-amp circuit breaker. Connect the black cable wire to the circuit breaker. It came with a standard three-prong outlet , but since outside outlets must be GFCI protecte we replaced the kit outlet with a GFCI outlet.

Attach the two mounting lugs to the back of the metal electrical box, putting them in opposite corners. A secure place to mount the plug receptacle box. Is there a sturdy verticle surface in the area to mount to? Are you planning to stake mount? Assorted materials - Single.

Reattach the wires to the terminals on your outlet. Attach the white wire to the silver terminal and the black wire to the brass terminal. The ground wire should be attached to the green terminal. Cover the hole in the wall outside with silicone to prevent moisture from entering the house. Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

You stretch what seems like miles of extension cord around your house to weed whack, plug in Christmas lights, or just listen to some tunes while enjoying your yard. The outlet is always hot , and the switch controls only the light. If you don’t have an outdoor box to tap in to, consider installing one on your house. You can expand the project to include additional outlets , switches and lights.

Also, it’s recommended to install a weatherproof outlet to minimize the dilemma of electric shock. Here are a few key tips regarding installing a new receptacle outlet outdoors. To get starte first determine where you want your outlet to be located. In terms of proper height and locations, always refer to your local and national electric codes.

This is important, as too low of an outlet install can mean it can be susceptible to rain. Ultimately, turn the power on both the outlets to check it works or not. For the GFCI outlet check the test and reset button to make sure it’s working. If both the outlets are working correctly, then you have made it through.

I hope the step-by-step guide to installing outdoor receptacle outlet was helpful to you. Next, re-install the outdoor electrical outlet into the electrical box, replace the faceplate, and turn the power on at the service panel. Test to see if power is running to the outlet. If you have power in the outlet the capped wires are the LOAD wires. If power isn’t running to the outlet the capped wires are the LINE wires.

An outdoor electrical outlet is a convenient feature to have in your home. It makes entertaining, yard work, and lighting up the outdoors much easier. The concern is that the outlet will be protected against the weather elements and prevent moisture from entering the receptacle outlet.

Adding lighting to your front or back yard is a great way to change the look of your property. Exterior lights can make pathways easier to see in the dark. So if your outdoor outlets are starting to look like the one pictured here, read through our guide for how to replace an outdoor outlet cover. Time Required You’ll know that it’s time to replace an outlet cover if any parts of the cover are broken or worn.

Actual costs will depend on job size, conditions, size options. Place the plastic cover over the outlet. Now if they could only show. Dealing With GFCI Outlets. Some outdoor outlets will be GFCI outlets (short for ground fault circuit interrupter).

These outlets have reset buttons on them, as well as a light that indicates whether the outlet is working. These are more often found in bathrooms and kitchens, but you may have one mounted on your home. Note: If the outdoor box is metal, install two grounding pigtails, connecting one to the box and one to the ground screw on the GFCI outlet. Notice: Outdoor receptacle outlets must have GFCI protection. Use a weather protective cover over the outlet.

If an outlet (commonly called a receptacle) no longer holds a plug snugly, it should be replaced. The procedure for replacing a duplex (two- outlet ) wall receptacle is similar to that of replacing a switch. The only difference is that, depending on where the receptacle is located in the wiring scheme.

However, electrical code requires outlets in areas of the home where water or moisture is present to be GFCI-protected. Install J-channel around the outlet.