How to Install an Outdoor Outlet

Many homeowners can benefit from installing an outdoor outlet. For those who do a lot of outside work or outdoor parties, convenience of location may become an issue when you need to run a line for that power saw or to keep your guests entertained. Creating an outdoor outlet helps projects and events to run more smoothly, and don't take a lot of time to install. Although any electrical work will require a bit of know how to do correctly, installation is simple and straightforward when you know what you are doing. 

Warning: Before attempting this kind of work, check your local codes so that you are aware of any installation guidelines you may need to follow.

Step 1--Disconnect Power Source

Open your circuit breaker and flip the switch that feeds the indoor outlet you will be working with to the "Off" position before proceeding. Use a voltage tester to make sure the outlet is completely shut down. 

Step 2--Prepare Wiring

The best way to install an outdoor outlet is to splice pre-existing wiring from an indoor outlet. In order to do this you will need to drill through the back of the interior outlet to the exterior wall. Before you begin, check to be sure the space around the wall is clear. Remove the outlet's cover plate and receptacle, setting these to the side. Carefully remove wiring from the terminal screws that are holding them in place and move the wiring out of your way before you begin drilling.

Step 3--Place Electrical Cable

Put on safety gear before drill operation. Drill a neat hole through to the other side of the wall to mark off the location the cable will be pulled through. Check to make sure your cable will fit through the hole, if not you will need to use a hole cutting saw to enlarge the hole as necessary. Fish the cable from the indoor receptacle through to the outdoor wall. The length must be sufficient enough to reach through to both boxes with ease.

Step 4--Re-wire Indoor Outlet

Strip down the electric cable and begin to rewire your interior outlet, remembering that black wires need to be spliced to black wires and white wires need to be connected to white wires. Screw indoor receptacle and cover plate back into position.

Step 5--Wire Outdoor Outlet

Caulk up the hole in your exterior wall in order to block out moisture and insects. Pull cable through the knockout of your weatherproof electrical box, position box and hold it in place as you mount it to the wall. Wire the outlet to a GFCI protected circuit and attach the appropriate wires to each outlet terminal. Install a weatherproof receptacle and cover, and caulk the top and sides of your outlet to complete installation.

Step 6--Test Indoor and Outdoor Outlets

Flip the breaker that powers the indoor/outdoor outlet back into the "On" position. Check to make sure both outlets are working correctly before using either outlet.