Putting an outlet outside
#1
06-08-17, 10:11 AM
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 13
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Putting an outlet outside
What's up guys I am going to put an outlet outside at my summer house this weekend. I am going to add a 20 amp breaker to my panel and run 12/2 outside. The wall I need to go through is cement/foundation. What size drill bit would I need to run 12/2 through the concrete wall to the exterior of the house? I will mount a gfi weather proof box over the hole and caulk.
The house is 2 hours from any hardware store and want to make sure I have the right stuff to bring up. Thanks.
The house is 2 hours from any hardware store and want to make sure I have the right stuff to bring up. Thanks.
#2
06-08-17, 10:58 AM
12/2 NMB will fit through a 1/2" hole but 5/8 will give you a little wiggle room. If the box will be mounted right over the cable exit hole you can use NMB.
However, you will need a clamp where the cable enters the box. If you mount a standard romex clamp to the outside of the box, you will need a bigger hole to allow for the clamp. Probably at least an inch. You don't need to drill the larger hole all the way through, just deep enough for the clamp. Or, if you use an external box with the threaded holes, you can often mount the clamp inside the box. I would test fit it before you go. Make sure there is room for the GFCI in front of the clamp if you go that route.
Put a nice bead of caulk behind the box to keep water out of the hole, and then a smaller bead all around the box once it's mounted.
Code calls for an in-use cover on most external outlets now, so you will need one of those as well.
However, you will need a clamp where the cable enters the box. If you mount a standard romex clamp to the outside of the box, you will need a bigger hole to allow for the clamp. Probably at least an inch. You don't need to drill the larger hole all the way through, just deep enough for the clamp. Or, if you use an external box with the threaded holes, you can often mount the clamp inside the box. I would test fit it before you go. Make sure there is room for the GFCI in front of the clamp if you go that route.
Put a nice bead of caulk behind the box to keep water out of the hole, and then a smaller bead all around the box once it's mounted.
Code calls for an in-use cover on most external outlets now, so you will need one of those as well.
#5
06-08-17, 02:43 PM
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 13
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
^ I don't believe that's correct. You can bore a hole through concrete and pass the wire through. Nm cannot be embedded in concrete ( poured wet concrete and embedded without a sleeve.
Unless this has recently changed
Unless this has recently changed
#6
06-08-17, 04:44 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
^ I don't believe that's correct. You can bore a hole through concrete and pass the wire through. Nm cannot be embedded in concrete ( poured wet concrete and embedded without a sleeve.
#7
06-08-17, 05:43 PM
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 13
Received 0 Votes
on
0 Posts
Thanks pc for clarifying .
I bought outdoor caulk to put behind the box before mounting it. But I see a lot of guys putting duct seal around the box as well. Would you agree this is a good ideA. Or just use the same caulk I bought and throw a bead around it?
I bought outdoor caulk to put behind the box before mounting it. But I see a lot of guys putting duct seal around the box as well. Would you agree this is a good ideA. Or just use the same caulk I bought and throw a bead around it?
#9
06-08-17, 06:10 PM
Member
Yes, latex caulk is okay but I'd put a bead on the back of the box before fastening. Then wipe off any that squeezed out with a damp sponge. I'd provide a weep at the bottom by not applying caulk there. That way any moisture that got behind wouldn't be trapped
Last edited by pcboss; 06-08-17 at 06:54 PM.
