Things You'll Need:
- Electrical wire stripper
- Wire strippers
- Screwdrivers
- GFCI receptacle
- Weatherproof receptacle box
- Electrical tape
- Voltage tester
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Step 1
Find an easy place to bring the electric outside of the home. Ideally, it should be close to the electrical panel.
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Step 2
When you find the location, place a mark at least three inches away from any structural framing. This will be where you will be drilling your access hole. Attach the spade bit (or masonry bit, depending on the material you are drilling through) and drill the access hole through the header joist or exterior wall (whichever applies to your job). **Always wear eye protection when drilling.**
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Step 3
Remove the center knockout on the junction box and mount the box over the access hole so it lines up with the hole left behind by the knockout.
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Step 4
Run your circuit to the junction box. Remove a side knockout on the junction box and install the cable connector. Then run your branch circuit into the junction box and secure it by tightening the screws on the cable connector. Keep the circuit OFF until you are finished with the full installation. If you need help adding a new circuit to your electrical panel box, just check out the link in Resources below.
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Step 5
Outside, locate the drilled access hole and use a conduit nipple to bridge the connection between the inside junction box and the LB fitting which will be outside. The LB fitting should be installed vertically.
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Step 1
From the point where your LB fitting is located, stake out a trench to the area where you want your outside receptacle to be placed. Use the sledgehammer to hammer in wooden stakes along the trench border. Then run the mason's string to make an outline of the trench.
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Step 2
Use the shovel to carefully lift the top layer of sod from the trench. Then proceed to dig the trench to a depth of 18 inches (12 inches is allowable if the circuit is less than 20 amps and it is protected by a GFCI receptacle or breaker).
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Step 3
From the bottom of the LB fitting, connect a conduit sweep so it bends into the trench. Connect a plastic bushing to the end of the sweep to prevent the UF cable from being nicked. Do the same thing at the other end of the trench where the outlet will be located.
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Step 4
Run the UF cable through the trench and into the LB fitting. Run it straight through the LB and into the inside junction box. At the point in the trench where the UF cable enters the sweep bend, make a slight bend in the cable to provide some slack. This will help reduce stress on the line.
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Step 5
Refill the trench and replace the top layer of sod. At the point where you want to install the outdoor receptacle, you can install a freestanding post or use an outdoor box connected to two lengths of rigid conduit in concrete. Either method works, but you want to ensure that the application is sturdy.
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Step 1
If you are connecting the weatherproof box to a deck or freestanding post, then attach a length of rigid conduit to the bottom of the box, run the UF cable through it and into the outlet box and then connect the other end of the conduit to the conduit sweep coming out of the ground.
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Step 2
Secure the conduit to the wooden post by using the pipe straps and screw the outlet box directly into the wood. If you are using the rigid conduit in concrete method, then attach the box using a compression fitting and remember to install a plastic bushing over the conduit end inside the box to prevent chafing the wires.
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Step 3
Strip the outer sheath of the UF cable using the electrical wire strippers. Cut away any excessive wire and use the wire strippers to remove about 3/4 inches of insulation from each wire. Make your connections on the GFCI receptacle, wrap it with electrical tape and secure the outlet to the box. Next, install the weatherproof foam gasket and cover. For more thorough instructions on installing a GFCI outlet, check out the link in Resources below.
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Step 4
Head back inside and make your connections in the junction box. Finish up by making your connections at the electrical panel (if you are running an entirely new circuit) and turn the breaker back on. Go back to your exterior outlet, press the "reset" button on the GFCI outlet and test it for power. Now, get out the hammock, a glass of lemonade and just chill. You've earned it!
