Wall Outdoor Outlet vs Ground Outdoor Outlet

Rather than drag an extension cord through a window or around a corner to power a lawn mower, sprinkler or holiday lights, install an outdoor outlet. Before you begin, consider your needs to decide whether you will benefit most from an outlet in the wall our in the ground. There are reasons to install one, the other or both.

Ground Outdoor Outlet

A ground outdoor outlet may have 1 female receptacle or multiple female receptacles. It is generally mounted on a stake that is sunk into the ground and anchored with concrete. The safest installation for the wiring is underground. You will need to dig a trench at least 18 inches deep. If you use many spades or trowels in your yard, you may want to bury the cables closer to 24 inches deep. Check local codes and follow those guidelines for all installation. In order to protect the ground and the cables it is advisable to use conduit, whether it is above or below the ground. Exposed above ground wiring must be in conduit. In some areas you may be required to have the entire cable in conduit. The decision to use an outdoor ground receptacle is perfect for providing electricity to free standing areas somewhat distant from the house.

Wall Outdoor Outlet

The wall outdoor outlet is available with multiple female receptacles. The wall outlet receptacle box will be mounted on a deck wall or the side of the house. Unless you are mounting the outlet on a free standing building far from the electrical source you should not need to bury much if any cable. The best place to install the outlet is close to the electrical panel.  You will drill a hole to access the circuit. Depending on the location you choose to install the receptacle, you may only require inches of conduit from the access hole to the wall outlet receptacle.

Outdoor Outlets

When installing any outdoor outlet always use Underwriter’s Laboratory approved materials. Use cables containing a ground conductor. Check your circuit breaker box for GFIs, which are ground fault interrupters. If the circuit breaker box does not have it you will want it for your outlet box. Type UF cable should be used with any outdoor or underground cable installation. Simply stated the UF refers to the wiring beginning at a fuse or breaker.