Adding an outdoor outlet to an existing exterior light fixture is a relatively straightforward DIY electrical project that can provide a convenient source of power right where you need it. With some basic tools and materials, and following important safety precautions, you can tap into the wiring of your outdoor light to install a new weather-resistant outlet.
Overview of the Project
The basic steps to add an outdoor outlet from a light fixture are:
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker and verify power is off at the light fixture before working.
- Remove the light fixture mounting plate and expose the wiring connections.
- Evaluate the wiring and determine if it can support an additional outlet load. Check for a neutral wire and adequate gauge wiring.
- Purchase the required components – weatherproof outlet box or cover, GFCI outlet, appropriate wire connectors, conduit if needed.
- Mount the new outlet box next to or under the light fixture. Run conduit if necessary to connect boxes.
- Connect the outlet wires to the power source wires from the light using proper connectors. Observe polarity – hot to hot, neutral to neutral.
- Secure all wires, mount the GFCI outlet and outdoor cover plate.
- Turn power back on, test outlet for function and perform GFCI test.
Proper planning, attention to safety, strong mechanical connections, and correct wiring are the keys to success when undertaking this project. We’ll go over each step in more detail in this article. Let’s get started!
What You Need
Before beginning work, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools on hand:
Materials
- Weatherproof outdoor outlet box and cover – match style of existing light fixture
- GFCI outlet
- Appropriate wire connectors (wire nuts, Wagos) for #12 or #14 gauge wiring
- 1/2″ conduit if running wiring between light and outlet boxes
- 12 or 14 gauge outdoor-rated wiring if outlet is more than 24″ from light fixture junction box
Tools
- Voltage tester to confirm power is OFF
- Screwdrivers – flathead and Phillips head
- Wire strippers
- Wire cutters
- Drill and drill bits
- Hole saw matched to outlet box size
- Conduit cutter if using metallic conduit
- Reciprocating saw to cut into existing boxes if needed
- Hammer to knock out conduit holes
- Level to position new outlet box
Safety Equipment
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask if cutting into existing boxes
Turn Off Power and Verify It’s Off
Before doing any work, you must turn off power to the circuit at the main panel and verify it is off at the light fixture. This critical safety step prevents shock or electrocution while working on the wiring.
Follow these steps to safely shut off power:
- Locate the circuit breaker powering the outdoor light you’ll be tapping into. Turn it fully to the OFF position.
- At the light fixture, use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm power is OFF. Test wires inside the fixture junction box to be sure.
- Ensure power is OFF at both the breaker and the light fixture before moving to next steps.
With power disconnected you can now safely work on the wiring. Keep power OFF until the outlet installation is complete.
Remove the Light Fixture and Expose Wiring
With power verified as OFF, now you can take down the light fixture and gain access to the wiring connections:
- Unmount the light fixture from its base plate by removing any screws or hardware. Carefully lower the fixture.
- Remove any wire cover on the junction box and set it aside.
- There will be exposed wires connected to the fixture likely with wire nuts. Loosen any wire nuts connecting the light fixture without fully removing nuts from wires.
You should see the power supply wires now – these are the wires you will tap into for the new outlet. There should be at least two wires, likely a black (hot) and a white (neutral). There may also be a bare copper or green ground wire.
If the wires entering the box are twisted together without connectors, you may need to cut these back and add wire nuts to create clean connections.
Evaluate Existing Wiring
With the wires now exposed, inspect them to determine if the existing wiring can support adding an outlet. Several factors should be verified:
Check for Neutral Wire
There must be a neutral wire in the junction box to support an outlet. This will typically be a white insulated wire. Many older wires did not include a neutral. If you only have a hot and a ground, a new wire must be run back to the panel to add a neutral.
Verify Adequate Wire Gauge
The size of the existing wires must be large enough to handle the additional amperage of an outlet. For lighting circuits, wire is typically 12 or 14 gauge. If wires appear undersized, upgrading may be required.
Check Wire Condition
Inspect wire insulation for cracks or damage which could compromise performance or safety. Brittle or cracked wires may need replacement before adding an outlet.
If upon inspection you determine the existing wiring is insufficient, new wire meeting code requirements must be run to support the outlet. This may require cutting open walls to route new wire, adding conduit, and/or upgrading the main circuit panel breaker.
If the light fixture wires appear in good shape and meet gauge and composition requirements, you can move on to the next steps.
Purchase Required Outlet Components
With wiring evaluated, now obtain the components needed to install the outdoor outlet:
- Weather Resistant Outlet Box – This box mounts directly to the wall and should match the style of your light fixture. Plastic or metal boxes work well. It should be rated for wet locations.
- Weatherproof Outlet Cover – A cover that fits over the outlet providing a seal against moisture. TayMac, Bell, and Cooper all make quality outdoor outlet covers. Match the aesthetic of other fixtures.
- GFCI Outlet – Code requires outdoor outlets to be connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet or breaker for safety. Purchase a stand-alone GFCI outlet or a GFCI breaker if connecting to the main panel.
- Wire Connectors – Outdoor rated wire connectors suitable for the gauge wiring present. Waterproof gel-filled connectors like DryConn are recommended.
- Conduit – If outlet is located more than 24″ from light, conduit may be required to enclose wiring between boxes. Use 1/2″ outdoor-rated metallic or PVC conduit.
Shop smart – purchasing quality electrical components ensures a safe, long-lasting outdoor outlet installation.
Mount the New Outlet Box
The new outlet box can be mounted right next to the existing light fixture, or located several feet away if needed. Here are some tips for proper placement:
Positioning the Box
- Mount the outlet box anywhere vertically on the wall within 24″ of the light fixture box. This allows wires to be connected inside one junction box.
- If outlet must be more than 24″ away, connect boxes together with conduit enclosing the wiring between them.
- Consider the ideal height for access to the outlet without interfering with operation of the light switch or exterior fixtures.
- Check for obstacles like downspouts that could block the box or make installation difficult.
Cutting the Wall Opening
- Use the outlet box as a template to trace cut marks on the wall where box will be located.
- Make a pilot hole in the center of the outline with a long drill bit to avoid hitting anything inside the wall.
- Use a drywall saw, jigsaw or rotary tool to cut the opening for the electrical box. Make openings just large enough for box to fit.
- Drill or chisel out drywall so box edges sit flush with the wall surface.
Mounting the Outlet Box
- Run any necessary conduit between the light and outlet box before attaching boxes. See next section for details.
- Secure outlet box into the opening with mounting tabs and screws. Orient the box so the outlet will align properly when cover is installed.
Take care to position the box properly before installation as it will be difficult to relocate once wired.
Install Conduit Between the Boxes (If Required)
If the outlet box is located more than 24″ from the light fixture, electrical code requires the wiring between the boxes to be enclosed in conduit. This protects the cable from damage. Follow these guidelines when installing conduit:
- Use 1/2″ metallic or Schedule 40 PVC conduit suitable for wet locations.
- Determine required length of conduit to run between the two box locations.
- Cut the conduit with a hacksaw or cutter. Deburr cut ends.
- Use correct knockout size on boxes and hammer out knockouts where conduit will attach.
- Run conduit between boxes, attaching it to the knockout holes with adapters and clamps.
- Secure conduit every 3 feet with clamps. Use sweeps and elbows if conduit turns corners.
- Make sure conduit ends are accessible at both boxes – avoid boxing it in.
Properly installed conduit protects the wiring and provides a professional looking finish to the outdoor outlet project.
Connect the New Outlet Wiring
With both boxes mounted and conduit installed, wiring the outlet is next. Follow these guidelines for safe and proper electrical connections:
Pigtail the Supply Wires
- The existing wires connecting to the light fixture will power the outlet. These may have wire nuts which were loosened earlier – remove nuts now.
- Pigtail the supply wires by stripping 1/2″ insulation from the ends.
- Add a 3″ length of matching gauge wire to each existing wire. Strip 1/2″ insulation from each pigtail.
- Connect the original wires back together with the added pigtails using a wire nut.
Pigtailing makes connecting the outlet simpler while keeping the light connections intact.
Run Cable Through Conduit (If Required)
- If outlet box is within 24″ reach, you can tap into the light box directly without running cable.
- For boxes further than 24″, run new 3-wire outdoor rated cable through the installed conduit between the boxes. Use 12 or 14 gauge cable. Don’t connect it yet.
- Leave 10-12″ of cable at each box for making connections.
Connect Outlet Wires
- Strip 1/2″ insulation from outlet cable wires or pigtails if connecting directly.
- Connect hot (black) wire from outlet to hot pigtail from light with a wire nut.
- Connect neutral outlet wire to neutral pigtail. Connect any ground wires together if present.
- Follow proper polarity – hot to hot, neutral to neutral, ground to ground.
Take care that all bare wire connections are enclosed in boxes and not exposed. Review connections to be sure they are solid.
Install the GFCI Outlet
Next, properly wire and install the GFCI outlet into the new outlet box:
- Connect hot and neutral outlet wires to the LINE terminals on the GFCI.
- If needed, pigtail the GFCI wires to allow it to be positioned at the front of the box.
- Carefully fold wires into the box, spacing them apart and away from the GFCI body.
- Secure GFCI outlet into box with long screws. Make sure it aligns and sits flush.
- Attach the weatherproof cover plate designed for that model outlet.
- Caulk around cover plate edge to create a weatherproof seal to the wall.
Do not connect anything to the LOAD terminals on the GFCI outlet unless protecting additional outlets downstream. The light fixture does not connect through the GFCI.
Complete and Test the Installation
You’re almost done! Follow these final steps to finish this project safely:
- Carefully examine all connections and make sure wires are secure and fully insulated.
- Confirm no bare wire is exposed anywhere in the boxes. Close any unused knockout holes.
- Secure all covers on the boxes. The light fixture globe can be re-installed after testing is complete.
- With boxes closed, carefully restore power at the circuit breaker.
- At the outlet, plug in a lamp or tester appliance and check for power. Be sure the GFCI outlet is reset first.
- Press the TEST button on the GFCI. Power should shut off. Press RESET to restore power. If it trips or doesn’t reset, check wiring.
- Operate the light switch to verify proper light function as well.
If all checks out, you’ve successfully installed an outdoor outlet tapped into an existing exterior light fixture! Be sure to caulk any gaps and seal boxes against moisture. Turn off power and use proper precautions whenever performing maintenance in the future. Enjoy your new outdoor outlet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Many homeowners have additional questions about adding an outlet from a light fixture. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is Pigtailing the Existing Wires Required?
Pigtailing simplifies tapping into the existing wiring and keeps the light fixture connections intact. It’s recommended but not absolutely required. The outlet wires could connect directly to the existing hot, neutral and ground wires with wire nuts if necessary.
Does the Entire Circuit Need GFCI Protection?
No, only the outlet itself requires GFCI protection, not the entire circuit. Installing a GFCI outlet provides protection just for that receptacle. The light fixture does not need to be wired through the GFCI outlet.
Can I Install the New Outlet on a Different Wall?
It’s best to locate the new outlet on the same wall and within 24″ of the light fixture box if possible. But if needed for better utility, the outlet can be mounted on any exterior wall by running conduit between the boxes.
Does the Outlet Box Need to Be Grounded?
Yes, proper grounding of the outlet box and GFCI outlet is required. If the existing wiring does not include a ground wire, a grounding rod may need to be added near the new box.
Can I Install Multiple New Outdoor Outlets?
Yes, you can daisy chain multiple outdoor outlets together fed from the same light fixture by wiring them together in sequence. Each outlet would need weatherproof boxes and GFCI protection.
How Much Does it Cost to Have an Electrician Install the Outlet?
Depending on location and complexity, hiring an electrician to add an outlet from an existing outdoor light fixture may cost $100-$300 including labor and materials. DIY can save significant cost.
Conclusion
Installing an outdoor outlet from an existing exterior light fixture is a worthwhile DIY project. With proper planning and adherence to electrical codes and safety practices, a homeowner can tap into the wiring of an outdoor light to add a convenient new receptacle.
Carefully evaluate the existing wiring to determine if it’s sufficient to support an outlet. With the right materials and by following professional wiring techniques, the outlet can be added through relatively simple electrical connections to the wires powering the light.
By using GFCI protection, weatherproof boxes, and water-tight conduit between locations, your new outlet will provide problem-free power exactly where you need it for many years to come. Just be sure to keep safety first when working with household electrical projects. Follow proper procedures and use caution anytime working around live wiring to prevent shocks or electrocution. With adequate knowledge and preparation, you can tackle this project and enjoy the benefits of a new outdoor outlet added from your exterior lighting.