How to Install an Electrical Outlet Outdoors
When working outside, there is nothing more convenient than having access to the electricity you need for your power tools, lawn equipment or extra lighting. Installing an outdoor outlet not only adds that convenience, but helps reduce the need for dragging around those long extension cords. Following a few steps and using the right tools will help you be on your way to upgrading your home's outdoor electrical needs--and improving your lifestyle. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill
- 1/2-inch wood drill bit (if needed)
- 1/2-inch masonry drill bit (if needed)
- Outdoor electrical outlet kit
- Wood saw (if needed)
- Hammer and chisel (if needed for masonry)
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Utility knife
- Weatherproof receptacle cover
Instructions
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1
Locate an indoor electrical outlet that is on the same wall and close to the location where you will be installing the outdoor electrical outlet. Turn the power off to this outlet at the main circuit panel.
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2
Remove the cover to the indoor outlet with a screwdriver. Loosen the screws mounting the outlet inside the box, and pull the outlet out of the electrical box as far as the wiring will allow. Leave the wiring attached to the outlet.
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3
Punch or twist out one of the knockout holes in the back of the indoor electrical box using the screwdriver. This is where you will feed the wiring from the indoor outlet to the outside outlet.
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4
Measure 12 to 18 inches from the ground level in the same wall cavity as the indoor outlet is mounted, and mark the measurement on the wall with a pencil.
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5
Punch out one of the knockout holes in the back of the outdoor electrical box with the screwdriver. Hold the box up to the mark (from step 4), and trace the outline of the box onto the wall along with a trace of the punch-out hole location.
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6
Drill a 1/2-inch hole through the location of where you traced the punch-out hole on the exterior wall. If the exterior of the home/building is wood, use the wood drill bit. Use the masonry bit for a brick or block exterior.
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7
Open the outdoor electrical box kit. Mount the outdoor electrical box to the exterior wall, lining up the edges of the box with the traced marks. Use the screwdriver and included screws in the kit to secure it to the wall. If the outdoor outlet box is a flush-mount design, use the wood saw or hammer and chisel (pending the type of exterior wall) to cut or chisel out the wall just enough for the outlet box to slide into place and be mounted.
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8
Feed the electrical wiring through the hole of the outdoor electrical box into the wall and into and through the indoor electrical box. Measure and cut about 6 inches of wire on each end extending out of the boxes using wire cutters.
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9
Cut away about 3 inches of the outer sheathing using the utility knife. Carefully cut along one edge so as not to damage any of the interior wiring. Pull the sheathing back, and cut it away. Perform this step on both ends of the electrical cable.
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10
Strip away about 1 1/2 inches of insulation off the wiring of each of the wires inside the cable using the wire strippers. There will be three wires inside: black, white and bare. You will not need to strip any insulation off the bare wire. Perform this step on both ends of the electrical cable.
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11
Attach the outdoor outlet to the wiring outside in the following manner using the screwdriver: Connect the black (hot) wire to the brass screw, the white (neutral) wire to the silver screw and the bare (ground) wire to the green screw. Repeat this step to correctly attach the wiring from the inside to the indoor outlet.
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12
Push the wiring for both the indoor and outdoor outlets into their own electrical boxes, and mount the outlets to the boxes using the screwdriver and included screws from the kit. Mount the cover plates to each of the boxes by screwing them into place.
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13
Install a weatherproof receptacle cover over the outlet. The cover is spring-loaded and shuts automatically to keep weather out of the outlet. The cover fits over the outlet and screws into place.
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14
Turn the power back on at the main outlet. Check both the indoor and outdoor outlets to make sure everything is working properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to install an outlet kit that is rated for outdoor use and is sealed to keep the elements out of the electrical system.
Be sure to consult a licensed electrician before beginning any work, and that all work meets the electrical codes for your area.
