Installing outside outlet

Outdoor outlets have watertight covers that allow them to stay covered even with a cord plugged in. If you need additional outlets in the yar install an outlet strip rated for exterior use (Photo 3). They plug into your outlet , stake into the ground and offer multiple outlets. They’re inexpensive at home centers. Turn the power on at the circuit-breaker box and test both the interior and exterior outlets.

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. Outlet location: If your outdoor outlet is installed in an area with existing wiring or access to an electrical box, it takes less time to install and reduces labor costs significantly.

Of course, the opposite is also true. The concern is that the outlet will be protected against the weather elements and prevent moisture from entering the receptacle outlet. The outside outlet needs to be weather protected and include a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which are special electrical outlets installed in areas where there’s a risk of electricity meeting water. First Lets Review Some Very Important Electrical Code Considerations. An electrical outlet may not be installed within feet of the inside wall of the pool.

The best way around this is to simply install an outside outlet. It’s not, but with any home improvement project, you’ll need to get the right materials and install them the right way. 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. 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. Also, it’s recommended to install a weatherproof outlet to minimize the dilemma of electric shock. Most homes have only a couple of outdoor outlets (electrical receptacles), but adding one can be easier than you might think. Instead of installing a new circuit for the outlet , you may be able to tap into an interior outlet on an existing circuit within the home.

Spray paint the ground to mark the path of the power line between the house and the location of the outlet. Outdoor electrical outlets can be safe and convenient if properly installed. Image: electric outlet image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.

Actual costs will depend on job size, conditions, size options. The GFCI load-side wires also provide shock and short-circuit protection to those outlets , so there is no need to install GFCIs on each of them. Connect the black (power) wire marked with masking tape to the line pair of wires on the GFCI outlet.

Utilizing a dedicated circuit is the best method of installing an outside GFCI outlet because it completely separates the new exterior power from the existing interior power. For an accurate estimate in your area, enter your zip code in the calculator above. Outdoor Outlet installation costs vary considerably by location.

Fourth - the outside outlet can, in most code areas, use a GFCI outlet to meet GFCI requirements - in most code areas a pool area outlet requires the entire system be GFCI protecte which means a GFCI breaker, not just a GFCI outlet. Begin reinstalling your siding from the bottom piece working your way up. Measure twice around the outlet and cut your siding with tin snips (it will go through like butter and leaves the best edge for small cuts).

Install J-channel around the outlet. To do this effectively, determine the perfect spot where to install the outlet. Feed the wire into an exterior surface mounted box using the proper grommeted fitting. Caulk around the back edges of the exterior box with silicone (to make the back water tight) and fasten it to the wall.

Now you can connect your new GFIC outlet and install your weatherproof cover. Even when trying to explain things to people, there are so many small things that they can miss. This is an example of why DIY is bad. Do it safely and easily with this simple through-the-wall technique. Wire stripper being used to install new outlet in wall where an old one was burnt out on Disaster House.

Remove the Outlet Receptacle If the wiring is salvageable, unscrew the wires and remove the damaged outlet receptacle. National Electrical Code Rules for Outdoor Lighting and Receptacles. The easiest way to provide electricity in areas where the walls are made of concrete blocks is to surface mount all conduit using pressure treated wood that has been glued to the wall. Even if you have no familiarity with working with electrical wiring, installing an outdoor outlet cover doesn’t require working with the wiring.

An electrician probably would have to charge you for a full hour of work to do this type of job, which is a needless cost. Having an outdoor outlet allows you to eliminate the need for excessive extension cords and dragging them around the yard. Adding an additional outlet to an existing outdoor junction box gives additional outlets for your outdoor power equipment or for lighting. Most electricians charge between $and $1per hour.

Therefore, depending on the complexity, adding a new electric outlet can range from $1to $80 with the average cost around $350. Chances are, your cost to install an electrical outlet will fall between $1and $800. How much does it cost to install an electrical outlet ? Most modern households are heavily reliant upon electrical energy supplies, and many people find the need to run power cords all over their homes to get electrical service in the places desired. So you need a 2volt outlet installed. I called six different electrical contractors about installing outlets in my garage.

I am roughing in electrical, and not sure how to install the exterior boxes against the house.