Installing an outdoor 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). Make the wire connections between the cable and a GFCI outlet.

Screw the outlet to the box, then apply a bead of silicone around the face of the box. From inside the garage, install a cable connector onto the main electrical box. Pass the cable end through the connector, then tighten the connector. 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. 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. Turn the power on at the circuit-breaker box and test both the interior and exterior outlets.

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. Notice: Outdoor receptacle outlets must have GFCI protection. The concern is that the outlet will be protected against the weather elements and prevent moisture from entering the receptacle outlet. 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. Also, it’s recommended to install a weatherproof outlet to minimize the dilemma of electric shock. Then, remove it’s outlet cover and disconnect the receptacle from the box.

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. Exterior Electrical Outlet. Outdoor electrical outlets can be safe and convenient if properly installed. Image: electric outlet image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.

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. Now if they could only show. They reduce the risk of electrical shock.

It is important that the outdoor electrical outlet that you install , is installed properly with the proper housings to protect it against the elements, see Figure 2. As most outdoor electrical receptacles are use at times, to power heavy amperage devices the best method of adding an outdoor receptacle to your home is with a direct connection. 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).

Taking on this job by yourself, rather than calling in an electrician, will save you money and will help you build your confidence for doing additional homeowner electrical repairs. Install J-channel around the outlet. Adding an additional outlet to an existing outdoor junction box gives additional outlets for your outdoor power equipment or for lighting. Connecting electrical conduit from the existing outlet box, to a newly installed box, will have your electrical project complete in no time. But with a building, you have the option of installing an outlet on the outside wall of the structure as well as bringing power into the building.

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. Additional considerations and costs. The wisest course of action for electrical outlet installation is to work with a licensed electrician who can help to accurately determine the appropriate number of outlets for the home or the room in question.

Actual costs will depend on job size, conditions, size options. Methods to get power from inside your home to another point outside (ie: pole mounted lantern), or other point that requires passing through the outside (ie: to a detached garage). Replacing a GFCI Outlet : GFCI , or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, outlets are required by code on outdoor outlets , or any outlet near a source of water. To do this effectively, determine the perfect spot where to install the outlet. For an accurate estimate in your area, enter your zip code in the calculator above.

Outdoor Outlet installation costs vary considerably by location. The outdoor receptacle will have to be GFCI protected. At dwellings, ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection shall be provided for all receptacle outlets installed in bathrooms, garages, grade-level portions of unfinished accessory buildings, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, kitchen countertops, wet-bar sinks, boathouses and outdoors.

Find out our other images similar to this how to install an outdoor receptacle at gallery below and if you want to find more ideas about outlet install , you could use search box at the top of this page. Summer is the season to spend time outdoors. Nearest Electricity Outlet.

How to Wire an Outdoor Flood Light. Use these step-by-step instructions to easily install a GFCI outlet in no time. Obviously some basic knowledge of electrical safety is required here. If you have that, this is an excellent way to add lighting and power to your backyard oasis. Snap the lid into the flange in the deck.

Plug the opposite end of the extension cord into a GFCI outlet.