This DIY tutorial demonstrates how to install an outdoor outlet to your home by tapping an indoor outlet for power. It also covers the process of running power directly to a remote spot without tearing up your yard.
To install an outdoor outlet, find an indoor receptacle on the wall where you want the outlet to be placed. Mount a wedge-shaped piece of wood through the siding and into the sheathing, cut a big circular hole in the whole thing, and add a round old-work electric box. Install the outlet, making sure it’s GFCI protected since your outside. Use a weather protective cover over the outlet, install J-channel around the outlet, and install from the bottom up and overlap the joints so any drips go.
If you want to install an outdoor electrical outlet box on the surface of vinyl siding, use a weather-rated outdoor electrical outlet box with a raintight flip cover or a bubble cover depending on the material. Drill a hole through the exterior wall and siding using a masonry drill bit with a hammer drill. Use four small wood screws to attach the box to the siding, or use longer wood screws and back up.
Mount a wedge-shaped piece of wood through the siding and into the sheathing, then mount a flat-backed surface-mount electrical box on that. Install it before the siding goes up, side around it leaving about a 3/8 gap, and snap on the trim ring. Squeeze the bit between the box and the drywall, and drill through the wall and through the siding to mark the location for the new outlet.
📹 A common mistake made when installing wood siding on the outside of a home. Easy fix
… flashing it goes back behind this piece of siding and then comes out and then down to push water away from the wall technically …
What are the rules for exterior outlets?
Outdoor receptacles must be protected by ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) systems, with exceptions for snow-melting or deicing equipment. These protections can be provided by GFCI receptacles or circuit breakers. Homes should have at least one outdoor receptacle at the front and rear of the house, accessible from the ground and no more than 6 1/2 feet above grade. Attached decks and balconies with interior access should have a receptacle no more than 6 1/2 feet above the deck or balcony walking surface.
Receptacles in damp locations must be weather-resistant and have a weatherproof cover, while those exposed to weather must be weather-resistant and have a weatherproof “in-use” cover. A permanent swimming pool must have an electrical receptacle no closer than 6 feet and no further than 20 feet from the closest edge of the pool, with GFCI protection. Receptacles used to power pump systems on pools and spas must be no closer than 10 feet from the inside walls of a permanent pool, spa, or hot tub if not-GFCI protected, and no closer than 6 feet from the inside walls if GFCI protected.
Rules for outdoor lighting are primarily about using fixtures rated for use in damp or wet locations. Light fixtures in wet/exposed areas must be listed for wet locations, while fixtures in damp areas must be listed for damp locations. Surface-mounted electrical boxes must be raintight/weatherproof, and low-voltage lighting systems must be listed by an approved testing agency. Switches controlling pool or spa lights or pumps must be located at least 5 feet from the outside walls of the pool or spa unless separated by a wall.
Do exterior outlets need to be on a dedicated circuit?
Outdoor power outlets must adhere to electrical regulations, including GFCI-protection and positioning at least 100 feet away from swimming pools. Outdoor plugs are not necessary to use separate circuits, but they must be GFCI-compatible and waterproof. They are similar to interior plugs in that they use their own set of NEC criteria. Outdoor plugs must comply with these regulations for safety and to avoid faulty wiring. Outdoor outlets should be waterproof and capable of withstanding rainfall and other bad weather.
GFCI connections are also required by the National Electrical Standards for exterior circuits. Establishing an outside electrical device while using electricity from an inside outlet is essential for safety and avoiding problems caused by faulty wiring.
How much would an electrician charge to install an outdoor outlet?
The mean expenditure for the installation of an outdoor outlet is $225, with costs fluctuating between $60 and $300. It is imperative that all outlets are equipped with GFCI protection, which contributes to the overall cost of the project.
Does an exterior outlet need to be GFCI?
GFCI protection is now mandatory for all receptacles installed in kitchens, including refrigerator, disposal, and microwave receptacles. This requirement applies to all cord-and-plug connection points in the kitchen, including sinks and permanent provisions for cooking or food and beverage preparation. GFCI protection is also required on branch circuits or outlets for electric ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, microwave ovens, and clothes dryers.
Outdoor outlets rated 50 amp or less in garages and outlets rated not over 150 volt to ground, 50 amp or less in accessory buildings and boathouses, and all receptacles rated 60 amp or less within 20 feet of a swimming pool wall must also be protected. GFCI outlets are commonly used in homes to protect individuals against electrocution. They feature sensors to detect electrical surges and immediately cut off the power. There are three types of GFCI outlets, each with its own purpose and application in a specific setting.
Do you need a special outlet for outside?
Outdoor outlets must be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) technology and a watertight cover, in accordance with the 2008 National Electrical Code. In the event of a short circuit or current leakage, these outlets are designed to automatically trip and turn off, thereby preventing the occurrence of electrical fires and shocks. It is of the utmost importance to ascertain the pertinent local codes prior to undertaking any electrical work and to guarantee compliance.
Is there a special outlet for outdoor use?
To ensure proper electrical safety, it is essential to inspect your current outlet to ensure it meets local building and electrical codes. Ensure the outlet is an outdoor rated GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and is weather-resistant. If not, replace it to ensure the best protection. The only exception is an indoor GFCI outlet that feeds through protection to a standard weather-resistant outlet outside the home.
Inspect the outlet for wear or corrosion, and if it appears ok, install a new one. Test the outlet by plugging a lamp or radio into it and pressing the “TEST” button. If all checks out, tighten the screws and ensure the outlet is not loose.
Ensure each outlet has a weather-resistant cover to protect it from the elements. These covers allow a plug to be inserted while still protecting the outlet, making them suitable for use with lawn equipment, pools, hot tubs, holiday lighting, and fountains. Leviton offers a full line of weather-resistant covers, including the NEW Extra Duty While In-Use Covers, made from durable, UV-resistant thermoplastic.
Are outdoor outlets 15 or 20-amp?
In accordance with the National Electrical Code, weather-resistant outlets are required for use in damp or wet areas, including patios, decks, and pools. These outlets must be constructed from UV-stabilized thermoplastic and corrosion-resistant materials.
Are outlets outside of house waterproof?
To weatherproof outdoor power outlets, choose the right type of outlets, such as weather-resistant or weatherproof, designed for harsh outdoor environments like rain and snow. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets for enhanced safety, as they shut off electric power when a fault is detected, reducing the risk of electrical shock. Lastly, use weatherproof covers, also known as bubble covers, to shield your outlets from rain.
These covers provide a seal against moisture, ensuring the outlets stay dry even during inclement weather. Whether the outlet is in use or not, a weatherproof cover offers the necessary protection against the elements.
What is the code for outdoor outlet cover?
Article 406 of the National Electrical Code requires receptacles, cord connectors, and attachment plugs (caps) to be weatherproof when covered. This applies to damp locations, such as under roofed open porches, canopies, marquees, and other protected areas. All 125- and 250-volt nonlocking receptacles must be listed as weather-resistant. Hinged covers of outlet box hoods must be able to open at least 90 degrees after installation.
In wet locations, receptacles of 15 amperes and 20 amperes, 125 volts, and 250 volts installed in a wet location must have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. An outlet box hood installed for this purpose shall be listed and identified as “extra-duty”. Other listed products, enclosures, or assemblies providing weatherproof protection that do not utilize an outlet box hood need not be identified extra duty.
Extra-duty identification and requirements are not applicable to listed receptacles, faceplates, outlet boxes, enclosures, or assemblies that are either suitable for wet locations or rated as one of the outdoor enclosure-type numbers of Table 110. 28 that does not utilize an outlet box hood. Exceptions apply to 15- and 20-ampere, 125- through 250-volt receptacles installed in a wet location and subject to routine high-pressure spray washing. All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles shall be listed and so identified as the weather-resistant type.
What happens if you don’t have a GFCI outlet?
Standard electrical outlets are risky due to their lack of protection against ground faults, especially near water. If your house lacks GFCI technology, you are at a higher risk of electrocution. This guide provides information on GFCI outlets, their location, and malfunctioning procedures. Ground faults are electrical issues that can cause electrical current to flow through a circuit, posing a significant risk to electrical safety.
📹 Is This Possibly the Best Outdoor Outlet! Easy Install!
Looking to install a few more outdoor outlets and while at the store I came across these recessed boxes! Social Media: Twitch: …
One thing many people may not realize is that multiple GFCI’s chained together is nothing but a waste of money. Our outdoor electrical outlet has a GFCI in the breaker, so it, like this new one (hate these new ones due to high potential of spider or wasp infestations, BTW), it’s a standard receptacle
Anyone else think this job would’ve been easier had he started by removing the siding first… then marking and cutting with the siding out of the picture… install the box, then measure, mark, cut, and reinstall siding once it was installed? That’s an honest question, I’ve not done a job like this, so maybe I’m over complexifying things.