How to Extend an Outdoor Outlet

When a homeowner adds siding, brick or stucco to a home's exterior, he's faced with redoing an existing outdoor outlet so it remains flush with the new surface. Using an extension ring to extend the outlet allows the user to manually adjust the depth of the outlet. An extension ring also avoids using unsightly, and possibly unsafe, inset boxes.

Things You'll Need

• Electrical circuit tester
• Screwdriver (phillips/slotted)
• 1 electrical outdoor extension ring
• Outdoor cover plate kit

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the outdoor electrical outlet. The power should be turned off at the main service panel.

2. Insert an electrical circuit tester into the outlet to safely determine whether the power has been turned off. If the tester doesn't light up, the power is off. If the tester lights up, the outlet is still receiving power.

3. Loosen the top and bottom screws on the existing outlet with a screwdriver. Pull the outlet out of the electrical junction box, leaving the wiring attached.

4. Slide the extension ring over the outlet and wiring. Insert the back of the extension ring into the existing electrical box. Set its depth so the front of the ring is flush with the exterior wall. Insert the two screws (included with the extension ring) into the top and bottom holes of the ring. Secure the ring by tightening the screws to the existing electrical box.

5. Line up the top and bottom holes of the outlet with the holes in the extension ring. Tighten the screws to secure the outlet in position.

6. Place the outdoor outlet cover over the outlet. Secure the plate by tightening its screws.

7. Restore power to the outlet at the main service panel. Use the electrical circuit tester to ensure that power has been restored.

References

• Home Fixated: Extend Your Electrical Boxes And Make Your Inspector Happy
• Electrical Online: Voltage Testers